Flapper Check Valve With Resilient Band for Sealing and Impact Damping

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing check valves, particularly those used in aircraft air conditioning systems, face challenges in maintaining effective sealing and durability due to the need for multiple discrete torsion springs and separate bumpers, which complicate construction and increase the risk of downstream damage.

Innovation Solution

A check valve design featuring a plurality of pivotally mounted flapper elements with a circumferentially continuous or discontinuous resilient band made from elastomeric material, which acts as both a biasing element and a bumper, eliminating the need for separate bumpers and reducing the complexity of construction.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If multiple discrete torsion springs and separate bumpers are used, then the flapper elements can be biased towards the closed position and impact forces can be absorbed, but the construction becomes complex and the risk of downstream damage increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesealing efficiencyVSAvoidconstruction complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple discrete torsion springs and separate bumpers into a single integrated resilient band that performs both functions: biasing the flapper elements toward the closed position and absorbing impact forces. This merging eliminates the complexity of assembling and maintaining multiple separate components while maintaining the required sealing efficiency and shock absorption capabilities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The resilient band is designed as a multi-functional component that simultaneously provides the biasing force needed to keep flapper elements closed and acts as a bumper to absorb impact forces during operation. This universal component replaces what were previously two separate functional elements, simplifying the overall valve construction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If multiple discrete torsion springs and separate bumpers are used, then the flapper elements can be biased towards the closed position and impact forces can be absorbed, but the manufacturing process becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovedurabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing simplicity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent integrates the functions of multiple torsion springs and separate bumpers into a single resilient band component. This reduction in part count directly simplifies the manufacturing process, as fewer components need to be produced, inventoried, and assembled. The single resilient band can be manufactured as one continuous elastomeric element, reducing production complexity while maintaining the durability provided by the original multi-component design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Reliability

If multiple discrete torsion springs and separate bumpers are used, then the flapper elements can be biased towards the closed position and impact forces can be absorbed, but the risk of downstream damage increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesealing performanceVSAvoiddownstream damage risk

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The resilient band is designed to absorb and dissipate impact forces that occur during flapper element operation. By converting the harmful impact forces into elastic deformation of the resilient band material, the system protects downstream components from damage while maintaining the sealing performance required for reliable valve operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

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 design enhances sealing efficiency, reduces the risk of downstream damage, simplifies manufacturing, and increases the operating life of the valve by using a single resilient band to bias flapper elements towards the closed position and dampen impact forces.

Implementation Method 1

a circumferentially continuous or discontinuous resilient band made from elastomeric material, which acts as both a biasing element and a bumper

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

The design enhances sealing efficiency, reduces the risk of downstream damage, simplifies manufacturing, and increases the operating life of the valve by using a single resilient band to bias flapper elements towards the closed position and dampen impact forces

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDamping: Damping

Data Source

PatentEP3591272B1Check valve

Publication Date: 2021.03.03 HAMILTON SUNDSTRAND CORP

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AI summary

A check valve (10) comprises a valve housing (14) defining an opening (16) and a plurality of flapper elements (18) each having a proximal end (26) and a distal end (28), The flapper elements (18) are pivotally mounted to the valve housing (14) at their proximal ends (26) for pivotal movement between a closed position, in which they block the flow of fluid through the opening (16) and an open position in which they permit the flow of fluid through the opening (16). Each flapper element (18) is generally triangular or trapezoidal in shape such that the flapper elements (18) together create a generally conical or frustoconical surface (21) when the valve (10) is in the closed position. A resilient band (36) extending around a circumference of the conical or frustoconical surface (21) defined by the plurality of flapper elements (18) in the closed position for biasing the flapper elements (18) towards the closed position.