Hose End Regulator Flow Maximizer for Delayed Valve Closure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Direct acting valves used in hose end regulators for aircraft refueling are inefficient in maintaining the valve open state until the desired pressure is reached, leading to premature closure and increased fueling time, whereas pilot operated valves are more efficient but larger, heavier, and costly.
Innovation Solution
A hose end regulator with a flow maximizer mechanism that minimizes the movement of the primary spring until a predetermined fluid pressure is reached, using a poppet assembly and a primary spring, along with a cylindrical body and release balls to maintain the valve open until the set pressure is met, allowing for adjustable settings to optimize fluid flow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a direct acting valve is used in a hose end regulator, then the valve structure is simpler and smaller, but the valve closes prematurely before the desired pressure is reached, increasing refueling time
Solution Approach 1:
The valve system is segmented into two independent valves: a direct acting valve for basic pressure control and a flow maximizer valve for extending the open state. This segmentation allows each valve to perform its specialized function optimally while maintaining overall system simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The flow maximizer acts as an intermediary component that delays the closure of the direct acting valve. By introducing this intermediate mechanism, the system maintains the simplicity of the direct acting valve while achieving the extended open state necessary for reduced refueling time.
2Productivity
If a pilot operated valve is used, then the valve remains open longer allowing more fluid flow, but the valve becomes larger, heavier, and more costly
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the advantages of both direct acting and pilot operated valves by combining a simple direct acting valve with a flow maximizer mechanism. This hybrid approach achieves the extended open state and high fluid flow rates of pilot operated valves while maintaining the compact size and lower cost of direct acting valves.
Solution Approach 2:
The flow maximizer mechanism serves multiple functions: it extends the open state of the valve, maintains system pressure, and enables high fluid flow rates. This multi-functional component allows the valve system to achieve pilot operated valve performance without the associated size and cost penalties.
3Duration of action of moving object
If a pilot operated valve is used, then the valve closes instantaneously at the set pressure, but the valve structure is more complex and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The valve closure function is segmented between the direct acting valve (which provides the instantaneous closure at set pressure) and the flow maximizer (which extends the open state). This segmentation allows the system to achieve both extended open duration and rapid closure without requiring a complex pilot operated valve structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The flow maximizer mechanism uses the system's own fluid pressure to maintain the valve in the open state and automatically releases it when the set pressure is reached. This self-regulating mechanism extends valve open duration without requiring complex external control systems.
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 flow maximizer extends the open state of the valve until the desired pressure is reached, reducing refueling time and maintaining efficiency while minimizing costs, as the valve remains open longer than traditional designs, thereby enhancing the fueling process.
Implementation Method 1
A return spring is disposed within the body and extending between the first end and the actuator, the return spring biasing the actuator away from the first end
Implementation Method 2
A pair of release balls is disposed within a hole formed through the actuator, the pair of release balls biased away from each other to permit at least one of the release balls to be received in the catch
Data Source
AI summary
A hose end regulator for regulating pressure in fluid includes a main body having a fluid inlet and fluid outlet. A poppet moves between an open position to permit fluid to flow through the fluid outlet and a closed position to militate against fluid flowing through the fluid outlet. A primary spring permits the poppet to move between the open position and the closed position. A flow maximizer minimizes movement of the primary spring until a predetermined fluid pressure is reached within the main outer body.