Engine Controller Solenoid Sensing to Cut Valve Wiring
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The complexity and weight of wiring in gas turbine engines, particularly in safety-critical locations, are increased due to the need for multiple independent channels for solenoid valves, which can lead to potential leakage and increased complexity in monitoring valve positions using linear variable differential transducers (LVDTs) and proximity sensors.
Innovation Solution
An electronic engine controller (EEC) is configured to control a solenoid valve by providing a driving signal to one solenoid winding and sensing the valve position through signal induction in the magnetically coupled second winding, eliminating the need for separate monitoring channels and reducing wiring complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If LVDTs and proximity sensors are used to monitor valve position, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and wiring complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the monitoring function into the existing solenoid valve structure by using the armature as a common magnetic coupling element. The LVDT stator is integrated with the solenoid coil former, and the armature serves both to actuate the valve and to couple the monitoring windings. This eliminates separate monitoring components and their associated wiring.
2Reliability
If two independent driving channels and two independent monitoring channels are used for safety critical locations, then reliability is improved, but device complexity and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the solenoid valve into two independent but symmetric channels, each with its own solenoid coil and monitoring capability. The armature is divided into two separate armatures, each coupled to its own solenoid coil. This segmentation allows independent control and monitoring of each channel while maintaining safety redundancy.
Solution Approach 2:
Each armature serves multiple functions: it acts as the actuating element for its respective solenoid coil and simultaneously serves as the magnetic coupling element for the LVDT monitoring system. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components while maintaining safety redundancy.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple wiring connections are made to the solenoid valve, then control and monitoring capabilities are improved, but leakage risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the electrical connections by having both the solenoid drive signal and the LVDT monitoring signal share the same electrical path through the armature. The armature acts as a common conductor for both functions, reducing the number of separate wiring connections that would require sealing points and potential leakage paths.
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
This configuration reduces wiring complexity, minimizes the risk of leakage, and allows for accurate valve position sensing without additional sensors, thereby simplifying the control of solenoid valves in gas turbine engines.
Implementation Method 1
A solenoid valve, at its most basic, includes a winding and an armature which is magnetically coupled to the winding. The sending of a driving signal to the winding causes the armature to move
Implementation Method 2
the first and second solenoid windings being magnetically coupled to one another by an armature of the solenoid valve... sensing a position of the solenoid valve via the pick-up winding by detecting a signal induced in the pick-up winding by the magnetic coupling
Data Source
AI summary
An Electronic Engine Controller (EEC) for a gas turbine engine. The EEC is configured to be connected to a solenoid valve, and configured to control the solenoid valve by providing a driving signal to either a first solenoid winding or a second solenoid winding of the solenoid valve, the first and second solenoid windings being magnetically coupled to one another by an armature of the solenoid valve. The armature is movable under the action of the driving signal to operate the solenoid valve. The solenoid winding of the first and second solenoid windings provided with the driving signal is a driving winding and the other solenoid winding of the first and second solenoid windings is a pick-up winding. When the EEC controls the solenoid valve via the driving winding by providing the driving signal thereto, it is further configured to sense a position of the solenoid valve via the pick-up winding by detecting a signal induced in the pick-up winding by the magnetic coupling.