Integrated EHSV Control Valve for Propeller Overspeed and Feathering

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional variable pitch propeller assemblies are burdened by heavy mechanical overspeed governors and solenoid-operated valves, which increase engine weight and reduce efficiency, and lack flexibility in controlling propeller pitch during overspeed, feathering, and reverse modes.

Innovation Solution

A variable pitch propeller assembly incorporating an electrohydraulic servovalve (EHSV) secondary control valve that integrates overspeed protection, feathering, and reverse enabling functionality, allowing hydraulic fluid flow adjustments for constant speed, feather, and reverse modes, reducing the need for separate mechanical components and enhancing system flexibility.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional mechanical overspeed governors are used, then overspeed protection is provided, but engine weight increases and efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoverspeed protectionVSAvoidengine weight

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the overspeed governor function with the feather valve into a single integrated control valve assembly. The governor mechanism and feather valve share common components including the valve body, spool, and hydraulic circuitry, eliminating the need for separate mechanical governors and reducing overall system weight while maintaining overspeed protection capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The integrated control valve performs multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as both an overspeed governor and a feather valve. The single valve assembly can control hydraulic fluid flow for both overspeed protection and feathering operations, replacing multiple specialized components with one multi-functional device that reduces engine weight

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Ease of operation

If separate solenoid-operated feather valves are used, then feathering control is provided, but engine weight increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefeathering controlVSAvoidengine weight

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The feather valve functionality is merged into the same control valve assembly that houses the overspeed governor. The valve body contains integrated passages and spool configurations that enable both feathering control and overspeed protection through a single actuated component, eliminating redundant valving and reducing overall weight

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The control valve is designed as a universal component that handles both feathering commands and overspeed protection. A single solenoid actuator can trigger both feathering and governor functions depending on system conditions, reducing the need for multiple specialized valves and associated mounting hardware

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If ground beta enable solenoids and valves are used, then reverse mode functionality is provided, but engine weight increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereverse mode functionalityVSAvoidengine weight

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The integrated control valve assembly provides universal control for multiple propeller modes including ground beta, reverse, and feathering operations. The valve's hydraulic circuitry and spool configurations enable reverse thrust functionality without requiring separate dedicated valves, maintaining adaptability while reducing weight through component consolidation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 solution reduces engine weight, improves efficiency by eliminating redundant components, and provides flexible control over propeller pitch, effectively managing overspeed conditions and enabling efficient feathering and reverse thrust operations.

Implementation Method 1

The secondary control valve is operable to selectively allow a flow of hydraulic fluid to or from a pitch actuation assembly positioned within the propeller assembly

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHydraulic fluid flow control: Hydraulic Press

Implementation Method 2

Some variable pitch propeller assemblies include a solenoid-operated feather valve. The solenoid-operated feather valve is operatively configured to switch the propeller assembly into a feather mode

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSolenoid actuation: Solenoid

Data Source

PatentUS12037100B2Combined overspeed, feathering, and reverse enabler control valve for a propeller assembly

Publication Date: 2024.07.16 GE AVIO SRL

AI summary

A variable pitch propeller assembly is operatively coupled with an engine and methods for controlling the pitch of a plurality of propeller blades thereof are associated. In one example aspect, the variable pitch propeller assembly includes features for combining overspeed, feathering, and reverse functionality in a single secondary control valve. The secondary control valve is operable to selectively allow a controlled amount of hydraulic fluid to flow to or from a pitch actuation assembly such that the pitch of the propeller blades can be adjusted to operate the variable pitch propeller assembly in one of a constant speed mode, a feather mode, and a reverse mode.