Flow Control Valve Actuator Weight Reduction via Segmented Poppets
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional flow control valves used in aerospace and rocket applications are heavy, complex, and prone to malfunction due to high flow-induced forces, requiring large actuators and being unstable during sudden pressure changes.
Innovation Solution
A flow control valve design featuring a valve body with a first and second poppet, a sliding sleeve, and a spool that is elastically supported, allowing for reduced actuator drive force and weight through a rack-and-pinion mechanism, and a spring-loaded spool to maintain constant flow rates during pressure changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If a conventional poppet valve is used to control flow rate, then the valve can regulate fluid flow, but the flow induced force on the poppet member requires a large and heavy actuator
Solution Approach 1:
The valve is divided into two separate poppet members (first and second poppets) that independently control different aspects of flow regulation. This segmentation distributes the flow induced forces across multiple components rather than concentrating them on a single large poppet, reducing the actuator size and weight required for each component.
Solution Approach 2:
A compensation instrument (spring mechanism) is introduced as an intermediary between the poppet members and the actuator. This spring mechanism absorbs flow induced forces and pressure changes, reducing the drive force required by the actuator and thereby decreasing actuator weight and complexity.
2Force
If a large actuator is used to overcome flow induced force, then the valve can move the poppet member, but the actuator becomes complex and heavier
Solution Approach 1:
The compensation instrument acts as a mediator that simplifies the actuator configuration by absorbing flow induced forces through spring mechanisms. This eliminates the need for complex force balancing mechanisms in the actuator, reducing both its complexity and size while maintaining adequate drive force.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring-loaded compensation instrument provides self-service by automatically absorbing flow induced forces and pressure changes without requiring additional control mechanisms. This self-regulating feature simplifies the overall actuator configuration and reduces mechanical complexity.
3Reliability
If a conventional flow control valve is used, then it can regulate flow rate, but sudden pressure changes cause radical flow rate changes that endanger system stability
Solution Approach 1:
The compensation instrument with spring mechanisms provides a feedback mechanism that automatically responds to pressure changes. When sudden pressure changes occur, the spring-loaded components adjust the poppet positions to compensate for the pressure variation, maintaining stable flow rate and preventing radical changes that would endanger system stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring-based compensation instrument provides beforehand cushioning by being pre-loaded to absorb anticipated pressure changes and flow induced forces. This prior cushioning prevents sudden pressure variations from causing radical flow rate changes, thereby maintaining system stability and reliable flow control.
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 reduces the weight and complexity of the actuator, enabling precise control of flow rates and maintaining constant flow despite sudden pressure changes, improving system stability and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
sliding due to a pressure of the fluid flowing in the first poppet
Implementation Method 2
being elastically supported by the second poppet
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a flow control valve including: a valve body including a flow passage; a first poppet being fixed within the valve body, and including an inlet port through which a fluid flows in and an outflow hole through which the fluid flows out to the flow passage; a second poppet being fixed within the valve body, and including an outlet port through which the fluid flows out and an inflow hole through which the fluid flows in from the flow passage; a sleeve sliding along the first poppet to close the outflow hole and regulate an area thereof; and a spool being disposed between the first and second poppets to be slidable along the first and second poppets, being elastically supported by the second poppet, and sliding due to a pressure of the fluid flowing in the first poppet to close the inflow hole and regulate an area thereof.