Double Universal Joint Valve Assembly for Manual Backup Operation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Butterfly valves in aircraft systems face challenges in harsh environments, such as high temperatures and vibrations, leading to potential failure and requiring manual manipulation, especially when actuation mechanisms fail.
Innovation Solution
A manual positioning assembly is integrated with a cylindrical valve housing, featuring a double universal joint and alignment bushing, allowing for manual operation by inserting a tool into a socket to apply torque, enabling the valve to be manually opened or closed through a conical feature and pin system, which transmits torque effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If an actuation mechanism is used to operate the valve, then the valve can be automatically controlled, but the mechanism may fail in harsh environments (high temperature and vibration)
Solution Approach 1:
The manual positioning assembly serves as an intermediary mechanism between the operator and the valve shaft. It includes a socket that receives a tool, a double universal joint for torque transmission, and an alignment bushing for proper positioning. This intermediary manual system provides a backup when the automatic actuation mechanism fails, ensuring the valve can still be operated manually to control fluid flow in harsh aircraft environments.
2Reliability
If the valve is designed for harsh environments, then it can withstand high temperature and vibration, but manual manipulation becomes difficult when actuation fails
Solution Approach 1:
The manual positioning assembly acts as an intermediary tool system that bridges the operator and the valve shaft. The socket provides a interface for tool insertion, the double universal joint transmits torque effectively, and the alignment bushing ensures proper positioning. This intermediary mechanism makes manual operation feasible even when the valve is designed for harsh environments where automatic actuation may fail.
Solution Approach 2:
The manual positioning assembly is divided into separate functional components: a socket for tool reception, a double universal joint for torque transmission, and an alignment bushing for positioning. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while working together to enable manual valve operation in harsh conditions.
3Ease of operation
If a manual positioning assembly is added to the valve, then manual operation is enabled, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The manual positioning assembly is designed with universal applicability. The socket can receive various standard tools, the double universal joint accommodates different angular positions, and the alignment bushing fits onto the valve shaft. This multi-functional design enables manual operation without requiring valve-specific custom tools, reducing overall system complexity despite adding manual control capability.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution ensures the valve can be reliably operated in harsh conditions, extending its lifespan and preventing flight cancellations by allowing maintenance personnel to manually control the valve, ensuring fluid flow management in aircraft systems.
Implementation Method 1
The second end of the double universal joint includes a socket that is configured to receive a tool to manually turn the double universal joint, the shaft, and the disc
Implementation Method 2
The manual positioning assembly also includes an alignment bushing within the second end of the housing and a double universal joint
Data Source
AI summary
A manual positioning assembly for connection to a shaft of a valve configured to manually manipulate a disc of the valve between an open and closed position. The manual valve positioning assembly includes a housing having a first and a second end. The first end includes a flange configured for fastening the housing to the valve. The second end includes a conical feature. An alignment bushing within the second end of the housing and a double universal joint. The double universal joint includes a first end and a second end. The first end of the double universal joint is configured to be mechanically fastened to the shaft of the valve. The second end is positioned within the alignment bushing and includes a socket configured to receive a tool that manually turns the double universal joint, the shaft, and the disc to position the disc in the open or closed position.