Hydraulic Circuit Divider Valve for Dual Coolant Flow Paths
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hydraulic circuits in aircraft require multiple valves to achieve flexibility and adaptability, leading to increased weight, complexity, and reduced reliability.
Innovation Solution
A valve with multiple intake and exhaust ports, featuring a movable part that can transition between direct and bypass positions, allowing for the division of a hydraulic circuit into multiple independent circuits with reduced components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple valves are used to achieve flexibility and adaptability in hydraulic circuits, then the circuit can meet varying requirements at different instants, but the weight, complexity, and number of components increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple valve functions into a single integrated valve body with multiple ports (first intake, first exhaust, second intake, second exhaust, third intake, third exhaust) and internal passageways. This single valve can perform the functions of multiple separate valves while reducing overall system complexity and component count.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve is designed with universal functionality to handle multiple hydraulic circuit configurations through its movable part that can be positioned in different states. The same valve body and movable part structure enable various connection patterns between ports, allowing one valve to replace multiple specialized valves.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple valves are used to achieve flexibility and adaptability in hydraulic circuits, then the circuit can meet varying requirements at different instants, but the weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple valve functions into a single integrated valve assembly, eliminating the need for multiple separate valves. This consolidation significantly reduces the total weight of the hydraulic system while maintaining full adaptability for different flight phases and operational requirements.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple valves are used to achieve flexibility and adaptability in hydraulic circuits, then the circuit can meet varying requirements at different instants, but the reliability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
By combining multiple valve functions into a single integrated component, the patent reduces the total number of potential failure points. Fewer separate valves mean fewer seals, fewer moving parts, and fewer connection points, thereby improving overall system reliability while maintaining adaptability.
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple valves are used to achieve flexibility and adaptability in hydraulic circuits, then the circuit can meet varying requirements at different instants, but the ease of maintenance decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated valve design consolidates multiple functions into a single maintainable unit. Instead of needing to service, troubleshoot, and maintain multiple separate valves, the system requires maintenance of only one valve assembly, significantly improving ease of repair and reducing maintenance complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A valve for a hydraulic circuit for an aircraft, the valve being configured to unite or separate multiple circuit portions in at least two configurations. More particularly, the valve allows to create one hydraulic circuit or two independent hydraulic circuits in order to circulate a coolant in two distinct manners and thus to adapt the function of the hydraulic circuit to any of two distinct phases of the functioning of an engine of the aircraft.