Electromechanical Oxygen Valve Actuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current aircraft emergency oxygen supply systems rely on mechanical cable systems for remote operation of high pressure shut-off valves, which can bind during operation and lack efficient remote actuation and pressure regulation.
Innovation Solution
An electromechanical valve assembly integrating a spring-biased conical poppet, pressure regulating piston, and movable seat, actuated by an electric motor assembly with a worm gear set and power screw, enabling remote electronic control and integration of valve and pressure regulation functions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a mechanical cable system is used for remote operation of the high pressure shut-off valve, then the valve can be operated from the cockpit, but the cable system may bind during operation and lack reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical cable system with an electromechanical actuation system. An electric motor with worm gear mechanism is used to actuate the valve from the cockpit, eliminating the binding issues inherent in cable systems. The electrical signaling system provides reliable transmission of actuation commands without the mechanical friction and binding problems of cable-based systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary electromechanical conversion system between the cockpit control and the valve. The electric motor serves as an intermediary device that converts electrical signals from the cockpit into mechanical motion to operate the valve, providing a more reliable transmission medium than direct mechanical cable connections.
2Speed
If the valve opening speed is increased for faster oxygen supply, then the response time is reduced, but the risk of uncontrolled oxygen flow and safety issues increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic valve opening mechanism where the worm gear-driven motor provides controlled, gradual rotation of the valve stem. The self-locking nature of the worm gear allows for precise control of the opening speed, enabling the valve to open fast enough for emergency response while maintaining controlled flow progression to prevent uncontrolled oxygen release.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates a feedback mechanism through the worm gear's self-locking property, which maintains the valve in its opened position once actuated. This provides inherent position feedback and prevents inadvertent closing, ensuring that once the valve opens to supply oxygen, it remains open until properly closed through the same controlled actuation mechanism.
3Device complexity
If a single valve is used for both shut-off and pressure regulation, then the device complexity is reduced, but the functional integration and precision may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the shut-off valve and pressure regulator functions into a single integrated assembly. The valve body incorporates both the main shut-off mechanism with conical poppet and the pressure regulation mechanism with adjustable needle valve. This consolidation reduces the number of separate components and connections while maintaining both functions within one unified device structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs the valve assembly to perform multiple functions: complete shut-off of oxygen flow, pressure regulation to maintain constant downstream pressure, and flow control. The single valve body houses both the main conical poppet for shut-off and the needle valve for pressure regulation, making the assembly universal for both critical functions in the oxygen supply system.
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 provides reliable, efficient, and safe remote operation of oxygen flow regulation and shut-off, with enhanced mechanical redundancy and slow opening control, reducing the risk of oxygen shut-off during emergencies and ensuring compliance with FAA requirements.
Implementation Method 1
a spring-biased conical poppet disposed in and movable within the passageway
Implementation Method 2
The movable seat is actuated by an electric motor assembly that is effective to move the seat either towards the conical poppet, or away from the poppet and towards the pressure regulating piston
Implementation Method 3
The electric motor assembly includes a worm gear set and power screw
Implementation Method 4
The electric motor assembly includes a worm gear set and power screw
Data Source
Figure 1~2
AI summary
An electromechanical valve assembly for controlling oxygen flow from a compressed oxygen source in an aircraft includes: a valve housing, an inlet, an outlet, a passageway allowing flow of oxygen from the inlet to the outlet, a spring-biased conical poppet movable within the passageway; a spring-biased pressure regulating piston engagable with the conical poppet to maintain it in an open position, a push rod engagable with the conical poppet to maintain it in a closed position, and a movable seat in the passageway that engages the conical poppet to regulate gas flow through the passageway. Actuation of an electric motor assembly to cause the seat to move upward results in closing of the valve assembly and shutting off of the oxygen flow. Actuation of the motor assembly to cause the seat to move downward results in opening of the valve assembly and regulation of the oxygen flow.