Dual Valve Disc Geometry for Staged Airflow Opening
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Solution Overview
Problem
Pneumatic systems in aircraft, such as those used in gas turbine engines, face challenges with weight and complexity due to the need for multiple valves with dedicated actuators to manage airflow for various components, which have different timing and condition requirements.
Innovation Solution
A dual valve system with a mechanical linkage is introduced, where a single actuator drives both valves through a mechanical linkage, allowing for a wide range of control sequences while reducing the number of actuators needed, thereby minimizing weight and complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple valves with dedicated actuators are used to control airflow delivery, then a wide range of control sequences can be supported, but weight and complexity of the system increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple valve actuators into a single actuator that controls multiple valves through a mechanical linkage system. The first valve disc and second valve disc are both driven by the same actuator, merging the function of multiple actuators into one, thereby reducing system complexity and weight while maintaining control versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The single actuator is designed to perform multiple functions by controlling both the first valve and second valve through different mechanical linkages. This universal actuator can independently control each valve or coordinate them together, providing the versatility previously requiring separate dedicated actuators for each valve.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple valves with dedicated actuators are used to control airflow delivery, then a wide range of control sequences can be supported, but weight of the system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple actuator units into a single actuator that drives both valves through a shared mechanical linkage. This consolidation eliminates the weight of redundant actuator components while preserving the ability to execute complex control sequences through the coordinated movement of the first and second valve discs.
3Productivity
If valves open simultaneously, then airflow can be delivered to multiple components at the same time, but components with different timing requirements cannot be satisfied
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs different disc geometries for the first valve disc and second valve disc, creating dynamic differences in their opening characteristics. The first disc geometry and second disc geometry are specifically designed to produce different opening sequences, allowing the system to adapt timing control to meet various component requirements while maintaining efficient airflow delivery.
4Adaptability or versatility
If different disc geometries are used, then different opening sequences can be achieved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different disc geometries locally to specific valve discs based on their functional requirements. The first valve disc has a first disc geometry optimized for its specific airflow control needs, while the second valve disc has a second disc geometry tailored to its requirements. This localized differentiation allows each valve to be manufactured with precision for its specific function while maintaining overall system manufacturability.
Data Source
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AI summary
An aspect includes a dual valve system (202) that includes a first valve body (304) and a first valve disc (305) operably disposed within the first valve body, where the first valve disc has a first disc geometry. The dual valve system also includes a second valve body (306) and a second valve disc (307) operably disposed within the second valve body, where the second valve disc has a second disc geometry. The dual valve system further includes a mechanical linkage (208) operably coupled to the first valve disc and the second valve disc, where the second disc geometry differs from the first disc geometry such that opening of a first flow area (502, 702) between the first valve body and the first valve disc occurs prior to opening of a second flow area (504, 704) between the second valve body and the second valve disc responsive to movement of the mechanical linkage.