Fuel System Pressure Regulators for Discrete Signal Generation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Fuel systems for gas turbine engines require a method to generate multiple pressure signals at discrete levels to control various devices effectively, as existing systems lack the capability to produce a plurality of pressure signals necessary for precise operation.
Innovation Solution
A fuel system with multiple fuel lines and pressure regulators, including a first fuel line at a lower pressure and a second fuel line at a higher pressure, along with a controller to manage the positions of pressure regulators, creating multiple discrete pressure levels at specific locations within the system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single pressure regulator is used in the fuel system, then the device complexity is reduced, but the capability to generate multiple discrete pressure signals is lost
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple pressure regulators are combined into a single integrated assembly where they share common components including a single body, shared sealing elements, and a unified controller. The regulators are arranged in parallel within the same housing structure, allowing them to function as separate pressure control units while benefiting from shared infrastructure that reduces overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The pressure regulators are designed with universal features including identical inlet and outlet port configurations, standardized mounting interfaces, and interchangeable internal components. This multi-functionality allows the same regulator design to serve multiple pressure control functions at different operating points, reducing the need for specialized components for each pressure level.
2Measurement precision
If multiple pressure regulators are used to generate discrete pressure levels, then the precision of pressure control is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure control function is segmented into multiple discrete regulators, each responsible for a specific pressure level. This segmentation allows each regulator to be optimized for its specific operating range, improving overall pressure control precision while maintaining manageable complexity through functional division.
Solution Approach 2:
A common controller acts as an intermediary between the control system and multiple pressure regulators. This single controller coordinates the operation of all regulators, managing their activation and deactivation sequences to produce the desired discrete pressure levels without requiring individual control mechanisms for each regulator.
3Adaptability or versatility
If pressure regulators are positioned in series, then the pressure regulation capability is enhanced, but the flow path complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure regulators are arranged in a parallel spatial configuration rather than a linear series arrangement. Multiple regulators operate simultaneously at different pressure levels, with their outlets converging to a common manifold. This dimensional reorganization reduces the effective flow path length while maintaining the pressure regulation capability of multiple stages.
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 precise control of actuators and devices by generating multiple pressure signals at discrete levels, enhancing the operational efficiency and flexibility of gas turbine engines.
Implementation Method 1
a first pressure regulator connected to the input and a second pressure regulator connected between the first pressure regulator and the at least one output
Data Source
AI summary
A fuel system includes a first fuel line carrying fuel at a first line pressure (P22), a second fuel line carrying fuel at a second line pressure (PFNC) greater than the first line pressure (P22), at least one pressure regulating section 102 having an input 101 connected to the second fuel line and at least one output (103), a first pressure regulator (120) connected to the input and a second pressure regulator (130) connected between the first pressure regulator (120) and the at least one output (103), and a controller (160) controlling the position of the first and second pressure regulators (120, 130) to produce at the output (103) one of a predetermined number of output pressures relative to the first line pressure (P22).