Fluid Pulsation Attenuator With Cushion Chamber for Gear Pump Pulses
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Solution Overview
Problem
Gear pumps in aircraft engine fuel and lubrication systems generate pressure pulses that can exceed fluid inlet pressure, causing cavitation, wear, and fatigue in system components, as well as affecting pressure sensor accuracy.
Innovation Solution
A fluid pulsation attenuator comprising a pressure vessel with a chamber and a fluid line containing holes, filled with a cushion material such as glass fibers, which absorbs pressure pulses by allowing them to expand radially and dissipate energy, reducing amplitude and preventing damage to system components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If gear pumps are used to circulate fuel and oil, then fluid circulation is achieved, but pressure pulses are generated that cause cavitation, wear, and fatigue
Solution Approach 1:
A pulsation attenuator is introduced as an intermediary component in the fluid line between the gear pump and the system components. This attenuator absorbs and dampens pressure pulses generated by the gear pump, preventing them from reaching sensitive components like fuel nozzles and lubrication system parts, thereby eliminating cavitation, wear, and fatigue issues while maintaining continuous fluid circulation
Solution Approach 2:
The pulsation attenuator changes the pressure parameter by absorbing pressure pulses and converting them into thermal energy through viscous damping. This transforms the harmful high-amplitude pressure fluctuations into acceptable pressure levels, allowing the gear pump to maintain productivity without generating damaging pressure variations
2Productivity
If pressure pulses are present in the fluid line, then fluid flow is maintained, but sensor readings become inaccurate
Solution Approach 1:
The pulsation attenuator serves as a mediator between the gear pump and pressure sensors, filtering out pressure pulse signals before they reach the sensors. This allows sensors to measure only the steady-state pressure values, improving measurement precision while the attenuator ensures continuous fluid flow is maintained
3Strength
If thicker and heavier lines and housings are used, then fatigue resistance is improved, but system weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pulsation attenuator provides beforehand cushioning by absorbing pressure pulses before they can cause fatigue damage to system components. This pre-protection allows the use of lighter and thinner lines and housings, as the attenuator has already mitigated the cyclic loading that would otherwise require heavier construction to resist fatigue
Solution Approach 2:
By placing the pulsation attenuator as an intermediary component, the system can use lightweight construction for lines and housings since the attenuator protects them from fatigue-inducing pressure pulses, thereby reducing overall system weight while maintaining adequate fatigue resistance
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 attenuator reduces fatigue in system lines and housings, enabling lighter and thinner structures and improves pressure sensor accuracy by minimizing pulsation impact.
Implementation Method 1
chamber is filled with a cushion... any pulsations in the fluid line can expand radially into the holes and be absorbed by the cushion
Implementation Method 2
cushion material such as glass fibers, which absorbs pressure pulses by allowing them to expand radially and dissipate energy
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 4
AI summary
A fluid pulsation attenuating arrangement includes an enclosure (12) and a tubular member (16). The tubular member extends through the enclosure defining a chamber (14) outside of the tubular member but inside of the enclosure. The tubular member includes a wall separating an interior passage of the tubular member and the chamber. A plurality of holes (30) is formed in the wall and fluidically connects the chamber to the interior passage. An energy absorber is inside the chamber.