Fuel Balancing System Using Single Crossfeed Valve
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mobile platform fuel systems are inefficient due to redundant equipment, increased pilot workload, and high manufacturing and maintenance costs, while failing to efficiently balance fuel levels between multiple tanks, which is crucial for safety and compliance with regulations.
Innovation Solution
A fuel balancing system featuring a crossfeed fuel transmission assembly with a single crossfeed valve and a balancing fuel transfer assembly, including boost pumps and valves, controlled by a fuel balancing controller that automatically adjusts fuel flow between tanks to equalize levels, reducing the need for manual intervention and minimizing redundant components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If redundant fuel piping and valve equipment are used for crossfeed configurations, then safety and regulatory compliance are improved, but system weight and manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the crossfeed function and fuel balancing function into a single integrated system using one crossfeed valve and shared piping infrastructure. The balancing fuel transfer assembly utilizes the existing crossfeed pipe and valve, eliminating the need for separate redundant piping and valve equipment while maintaining safety through automated controller management.
Solution Approach 2:
The crossfeed valve and piping system serve multiple functions: they enable both crossfeed operations and automated fuel balancing between tanks. This multi-functionality reduces the need for dedicated equipment for each function, thereby reducing overall system weight while maintaining reliability through the controller's ability to manage different operational modes.
2Adaptability or versatility
If dedicated transfer pumps and piping are used for fuel transfer, then fuel balancing capability is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the fuel transfer capability with the existing crossfeed system infrastructure. The balancing fuel transfer assembly uses the same crossfeed pipe and valve that are already part of the aircraft's fuel system, adding balancing functionality without creating entirely new dedicated transfer piping or valve systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the aircraft's existing boost pumps to perform fuel transfer for balancing purposes. The controller automatically activates these existing pumps to transfer fuel from the high-level tank to the low-level tank, eliminating the need for dedicated transfer pumps while maintaining full fuel balancing capability.
3Device complexity
If manual activation and monitoring of fuel transfer systems is required, then system simplicity is improved, but pilot workload increases
Solution Approach 1:
The controller continuously monitors fuel levels in both tanks and automatically activates the balancing fuel transfer assembly when an imbalance is detected. The system provides feedback through fuel level sensors and automatically manages the transfer process, including activating and deactivating pumps and valves, thereby reducing pilot workload while maintaining system simplicity through automated control logic.
Solution Approach 2:
The fuel balancing system is fully automated and self-managing. The controller automatically detects fuel level imbalances, activates the appropriate pumps and valves, performs the transfer, and shuts down the system when balancing is complete, requiring minimal pilot intervention beyond initial system activation.
4Device complexity
If a single crossfeed system is used instead of dual crossfeed paths, then equipment quantity is reduced, but redundancy for safety is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the redundancy function into the automated control system rather than requiring physical redundancy in piping and valves. The controller manages fuel transfer through a single crossfeed valve and piping system, providing safety through automated monitoring and control rather than through duplicate physical pathways.
Solution Approach 2:
The single crossfeed system with automated controller provides safety through self-monitoring and automatic response to fuel level conditions. The controller continuously manages fuel transfer to maintain proper levels, providing a level of safety through automated control that compensates for the lack of physical redundant pathways.
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 system effectively balances fuel levels between tanks, reducing pilot workload, lowering costs, and ensuring compliance with regulations by automating the fuel transfer process, thereby enhancing safety and efficiency while minimizing resource usage.
Implementation Method 1
At least one first fuel boost pump is fluidly connected to the crossfeed pipe at the first distal end portion for pumping fuel from the first fuel tank. Additionally, at least one second fuel boost pump fluidly connected to the crossfeed pipe at the second distal end portion for pumping fuel from the second fuel tank.
Data Source
AI summary
A fuel system for a mobile platform is provided. The system includes a crossfeed fuel transmission assembly having a single crossfeed valve that controls fuel consumption from a first fuel tank and a second fuel tank. The system additionally includes a balancing fuel transfer assembly fluidly connected to the crossfeed fuel transmission assembly. The balancing fuel transfer assembly includes a plurality of fuel balancing valves for controlling a transfer of fuel to the first and second fuel tanks. The fuel system further includes a fuel balancing controller for automatically controlling the fuel balancing valves to automatically control the transfer of fuel to the first and second fuel tanks.