Dual Check Valve for Launch Vibration Mitigation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Devices like pumps experience damage due to high vibration, particularly during launch conditions, as idle pumps experience repeated contact on bearings, leading to potential damage from high G loads and vibration-induced stress.
Innovation Solution
A dual check valve with a housing having a cavity connecting three ports, featuring a movable member that occludes specific ports in different positions, allowing simultaneous fluid flow through both inlet ports to the outlet port, and is designed to minimize clearance and maximize stability against vibrations, ensuring neutral buoyancy and smooth operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If pumps are made redundant to ensure continuous operation, then system reliability is improved, but device complexity increases and idle pumps experience vibration damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines two check valve functions into a single dual check valve assembly. The valve housing contains two separate check valve mechanisms that share common components including the housing structure, sealing surfaces, and flow paths. This merging approach maintains system reliability by ensuring continuous fluid flow capability while reducing overall device complexity compared to having two separate check valve assemblies.
2Productivity
If idle pumps are used during launch, then productivity is improved, but bearing damage occurs due to repeated contact from high vibration
Solution Approach 1:
The dual check valve acts as an intermediary device that enables continuous pump operation during launch by maintaining fluid flow through the idle pump. The valve's design with movable members and sealed flow paths allows the pump to remain productive while isolated from direct vibration damage to bearings, as the valve protects the pump's internal components from the harsh vibrational environment.
3Reliability
If clearance is minimized in the dual check valve, then sealing integrity is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs parameter changes in the form of elastomeric sealing elements that can deform to accommodate manufacturing tolerances. The movable members incorporate flexible sealing surfaces that adapt to slight variations in manufacturing precision, maintaining effective sealing without requiring extremely tight tolerances. This approach balances sealing integrity with practical manufacturing capabilities.
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
The dual check valve enables pumps to operate simultaneously during launch, reducing the risk of bearing damage and maintaining sealing integrity by stabilizing the movable member and allowing fluid flow while minimizing lateral movement and G-load-induced forces.
Implementation Method 1
A movable member (30) is movable at least between a first position wherein it occludes flow between the cavity (18) and the first port (22), a second position wherein it occludes flow between the cavity (18) and the second port (24), and a third position wherein fluid is able to flow simultaneously through both the first port (22) and the second port (24), through the cavity (18) and through the third port (26)
Data Source
AI summary
A dual check valve includes, a housing having a cavity fluidically connecting three ports, a movable member movably engaged within the cavity from at least a first position occluding a first port of the three ports, a second position occluding a second port of the three ports, and a third position allowing flow between both the first port, the second port and a third port of the three ports.