Integrated Pressurizing and Pressure Regulating Valve for Aircraft Fuel Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Aircraft fuel supply systems require two separate pressure regulating devices, a pressurizing valve and a pressure regulating valve, which increase part count, cost, and weight, and are not compact enough for efficient deployment.
Innovation Solution
A unitary pressurizing and pressure regulating valve with a sleeve and a piston that moves between pressurizing and pressure limiting positions to maintain fuel pressure above a minimum and below a maximum threshold, respectively, reducing the need for separate devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If two separate pressure regulating devices (pressurizing valve and pressure regulating valve) are used, then fuel pressure can be maintained within predetermined limits, but part count, cost, weight, and system envelope increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines two separate pressure regulating devices (pressurizing valve and pressure regulating valve) into a single integrated valve assembly. The valve body contains both a pressurizing valve mechanism with first inlet/outlet ports and a pressure regulating valve mechanism with second inlet/outlet ports, allowing both functions to be performed by one component instead of two separate devices
Solution Approach 2:
The single valve assembly performs multiple functions: it acts as both a pressurizing valve to maintain minimum fuel pressure upstream and a pressure regulating valve to maintain maximum fuel pressure downstream. The valve body and piston mechanism are designed to handle both pressurizing and pressure regulating operations simultaneously, reducing the need for multiple specialized components
2Reliability
If two separate pressure regulating devices are used, then fuel pressure can be maintained within predetermined limits, but cost and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines two separate pressure regulating devices (pressurizing valve and pressure regulating valve) into a single integrated valve assembly. The valve body contains both a pressurizing valve mechanism with first inlet/outlet ports and a pressure regulating valve mechanism with second inlet/outlet ports, allowing both functions to be performed by one component instead of two separate devices
Solution Approach 2:
The single valve assembly performs multiple functions: it acts as both a pressurizing valve to maintain minimum fuel pressure upstream and a pressure regulating valve to maintain maximum fuel pressure downstream. The valve body and piston mechanism are designed to handle both pressurizing and pressure regulating operations simultaneously, reducing the need for multiple specialized components
3Reliability
If two separate pressure regulating devices are used, then fuel pressure can be maintained within predetermined limits, but system envelope increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines two separate pressure regulating devices (pressurizing valve and pressure regulating valve) into a single integrated valve assembly. The valve body contains both a pressurizing valve mechanism with first inlet/outlet ports and a pressure regulating valve mechanism with second inlet/outlet ports, allowing both functions to be performed by one component instead of two separate devices
Solution Approach 2:
The single valve assembly performs multiple functions: it acts as both a pressurizing valve to maintain minimum fuel pressure upstream and a pressure regulating valve to maintain maximum fuel pressure downstream. The valve body and piston mechanism are designed to handle both pressurizing and pressure regulating operations simultaneously, reducing the need for multiple specialized components
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 solution provides a compact and efficient valve that maintains fuel pressure within predetermined limits, reducing system complexity and weight while ensuring efficient operation of aircraft engines and servomechanisms.
Implementation Method 1
a piston (16) slidably disposed in the sleeve (14) and configured to move between: (i) a pressurizing position wherein the piston (16) impedes fluid flow through the first flow passage (18, 24, 30), and (ii) a pressure limiting position wherein the piston (16) impedes fluid flow through the second flow passage (20, 26, 32)
Data Source
AI summary
A pressurizing and pressure regulating valve is provided. In one embodiment, the pressurizing and pressure regulating valve includes a sleeve, a first flow passage formed through the sleeve, a second flow passage formed through the sleeve, and a piston slidably disposed in the sleeve. The piston is configured to move between: (i) a pressurizing position wherein the piston impedes fluid flow through the first flow passage, and (ii) a pressure limiting position wherein the piston impedes fluid flow through the second flow passage. A sensing chamber is fluidly coupled to the first flow passage and configured to receive pressurized fluid therefrom. The piston is configured to move from the pressurizing position to the pressure limiting position when the pressure within the sensing chamber exceeds a predetermined minimum pressure.