Electronically controlled pressure relief system for an engine
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pressure relief systems for fluid systems, such as those in aircraft engines, lack adaptability and efficiency across varying operating conditions, leading to suboptimal performance in managing pressure within internal volumes.
Innovation Solution
A pressure relief system comprising a sensor system, a pressure relief valve, and a controller that monitors air or gas pressure within the internal volume and adjusts the valve's opening area based on sensor data, venting excess pressure when necessary, and accounting for operational parameters like altitude and ambient conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a conventional pressure relief valve is used, then the system structure is simple, but the pressure management adaptability across varying operating conditions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure relief valve is replaced with a dynamically controllable valve system that adjusts its opening area in real-time based on sensor feedback about internal pressure conditions. This dynamic adjustment capability enables the system to adapt to varying operating conditions while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure through electronic control rather than mechanical complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
A sensor system continuously monitors the internal pressure within the reservoir and provides feedback to a controller, which then adjusts the valve opening accordingly. This closed-loop feedback mechanism enables precise pressure management across different operating conditions without requiring a complex mechanical valve design.
2Measurement precision
If a fixed opening pressure relief valve is used, then the device complexity is low, but the precision of pressure control deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor system continuously monitors internal pressure and provides real-time feedback to the controller, enabling precise pressure control by dynamically adjusting the valve opening based on actual pressure conditions rather than relying on a fixed mechanical spring setting.
Solution Approach 2:
The conventional mechanical spring-loaded pressure relief valve is replaced with an electronically controlled valve system. This substitution eliminates the need for complex mechanical adjustment mechanisms while achieving superior pressure control precision through electronic sensing and actuation.
3Productivity
If a conventional pressure relief valve is used, then the ease of manufacture is high, but the operational efficiency across different conditions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The static valve design is replaced with a dynamically controllable valve that adjusts its opening area based on real-time pressure conditions. This dynamic capability significantly improves operational efficiency across varying flight conditions while the manufacturing complexity remains manageable due to the use of standard electronic components and control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The electronically controlled pressure relief system serves multiple functions: it prevents over-pressurization, optimizes lubricant circulation under varying conditions, and adapts to different operational scenarios. This multi-functionality improves overall system efficiency without requiring separate valves for different operating conditions.
4Reliability
If no active pressure control is implemented, then the device complexity is minimal, but the reliability of pressure management deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor system continuously monitors internal pressure and provides feedback to the controller, which activates the pressure relief valve when pressure exceeds safe thresholds. This active feedback-based control significantly improves the reliability of pressure management compared to passive relief systems, while the added complexity is limited to standard electronic sensing and control components.
Solution Approach 2:
The system proactively monitors pressure conditions and activates the relief valve before dangerous over-pressurization occurs. This preliminary action approach enhances reliability by preventing hazardous conditions rather than merely responding to them, with the control logic implementing safety thresholds and predictive pressure management.
Data Source
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Figure 3A
AI summary
A fluid system (20) for an aircraft engine includes a lubricant reservoir (24) and a pressure relief system (36). The lubricant reservoir (24) includes an internal volume (28). The pressure relief system (36) includes a sensor system (42), a pressure relief valve (38) and a controller (44). The sensor system (42) is configured to provide sensor data indicative of an air pressure within the internal volume (28). The pressure relief valve (38) is fluidly coupled with the internal volume (28). The controller (44) is configured to control operation of the pressure relief valve (38) based on the sensor data.