Fuel Injection Pressure Relief Valve Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current turbomachines lack a detection method for pressure relief valve failures, leading to unnecessary disassembly and testing, as there is no effective way to determine if the pressure relief valve is stuck in the open position, causing fuel recirculation and disrupting engine operation.

Innovation Solution

A method involving differential pressure measurement in the fuel injection circuit to detect if the pressure relief valve is inadvertently open, utilizing existing pressure difference sensors to determine the valve's status without disassembly, by measuring pressure differences at various points in the circuit, including between the recirculation loop and high-pressure stage inlets and outlets.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If the pressure relief valve is dismantled and tested to detect breakdown, then the valve status can be determined, but the maintenance process becomes long and complicated

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevalve status detection accuracyVSAvoidmaintenance time

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical disassembly and physical testing with an electrical/sensor-based detection system. Pressure sensors mounted in the fuel circuit measure pressure differential across the relief valve, providing electronic detection of valve status without requiring mechanical dismantling of the fuel pump.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces pressure sensors as intermediary devices to detect valve status indirectly. Instead of directly examining the valve mechanism, the system measures pressure parameters in the fuel circuit that reflect the valve's operational state, enabling remote diagnosis without disassembly.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If the fuel pump is dismantled to inspect the pressure relief valve, then the valve can be examined, but the operation becomes complex and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebreakdown detection reliabilityVSAvoidmaintenance procedure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent substitutes mechanical inspection procedures with an electronic monitoring system. Pressure differential sensors provide reliable detection of relief valve failures through electrical signals, eliminating the need for complex mechanical disassembly and physical examination of the valve components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system enables self-diagnosis of the pressure relief valve through integrated pressure sensors that continuously monitor valve performance. The fuel pump system essentially inspects itself without requiring external maintenance personnel to perform complex disassembly operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Device complexity

If no detection device is provided for pressure relief valve breakdown, then the system remains simple, but false diagnostics occur due to inability to detect valve status

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection system complexityVSAvoidvalve status information

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces pressure sensors as intermediary measurement devices that indirectly indicate valve status through pressure differential readings. These sensors provide continuous information about the relief valve's operational state without requiring direct contact with or disassembly of the valve mechanism itself.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements feedback monitoring where pressure sensors continuously measure pressure differential across the relief valve and provide real-time information about valve status. This ongoing feedback enables early detection of valve failures before they cause system breakdown, eliminating diagnostic uncertainty.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

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

Enables detection of a stuck open pressure relief valve without disassembling the fuel pump, using existing sensors to monitor differential pressures, reducing maintenance complexity and time, and preventing false diagnostics.

Implementation Method 1

measuring a differential pressure in the injection circuit

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDifferential pressure measurement: Pressure Gradient

Data Source

PatentUS9115647B2Method for monitoring a pressure relief valve of a fuel injection circuit for a turbomachine

Publication Date: 2015.08.25 SAFRAN AIRCRAFT ENGINES SAS

AI summary

A detection method of a breakdown of a pressure relief valve of a fuel injection circuit for a turbomachine, the injection circuit including a low pressure stage and a high pressure stage, the low pressure stage having an inlet and an outlet, the high pressure stage having an inlet and an outlet, the low pressure stage being connected to the high pressure stage, the pressure relief valve being connected in parallel with respect to the high pressure stage, the injection circuit further including a recirculation loop including an inlet connected to the outlet of the high pressure stage and an outlet connected to the outlet of the low pressure stage, the method including measuring a differential pressure in the injection circuit.