Dual-Path Ram Air Valve for Constant and Modulated Flow
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Solution Overview
Problem
In aircraft nitrogen generating systems, there is a need for a valve design that can provide both constant and modulated flow paths for ram air without requiring substantial modifications to the existing single inlet duct, which is crucial for maintaining an inert environment in fuel tanks and cooling components.
Innovation Solution
A valve design featuring two adjacent flow paths, where one path has a constant flow and the other is modulated, sharing a common inlet duct, utilizing a modulating disk and actuator to control airflow through a butterfly valve assembly, allowing for dual functions within the constraints of existing system dimensions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single inlet duct is used for both modulated and constant flow paths, then device complexity is reduced and space is saved, but it becomes difficult to independently control flow rates in each path
Solution Approach 1:
The valve body is segmented into multiple flow paths (first flow path with modulating device and second flow path without modulating device) that share a common inlet duct. This segmentation allows independent control of each path's flow characteristics while maintaining a unified inlet structure, resolving the contradiction between device simplicity and independent flow control capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The single inlet duct serves multiple functions by distributing fluid to both the modulated flow path and the unmodulated flow path. This multi-functionality allows the inlet duct to supply both controlled and constant flows simultaneously, reducing the need for separate inlet structures while maintaining independent flow control through the respective paths.
2Ease of operation
If separate inlet ducts are provided for modulated and constant flow paths, then independent flow control is achieved, but device complexity increases and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The inlet ducts of the modulated flow path and unmodulated flow path are merged into a single common inlet duct. This merging reduces the number of separate components and simplifies the overall valve structure while the downstream segmentation into separate flow paths maintains the capability for independent flow control, thus resolving the contradiction between simplicity and controllability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If additional inlet ducts are added to provide constant flow path, then constant and modulated flows are independently provided, but modification of existing duct dimensions is required which increases device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The valve body is designed with segmented flow paths that branch from a common inlet duct. The first flow path includes a modulating device for variable flow control, while the second flow path provides constant flow. This segmentation enables dual flow capability without requiring modifications to the inlet duct dimensions, as both paths share the same inlet structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The common inlet duct is designed to universally supply fluid to both the modulated and unmodulated flow paths. This universal inlet design provides adaptability for dual flow capability while eliminating the need for separate inlet ducts and their associated modifications, thereby improving ease of manufacture.
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
Enables efficient distribution of ram air for maintaining an inert environment and cooling components by providing constant and variable airflow through a single inlet duct, enhancing the nitrogen generating system's performance without the need for additional inlet ducts.
Implementation Method 1
Both ram air and compressor air flows thru a heat exchanger to exchange heat
Implementation Method 2
A component's modulating valve controls flow of ram air to the NGS, such as a plurality of heat exchangers
Data Source
AI summary
A valve comprises an inlet portion configured to couple to a source of a fluid, and a body portion in fluidic communication with the inlet portion. The body portion defines a modulated flow path and a constant flow path adjacent to the modulated flow path.