Integrated Purge Valve for Cryogenic Flow Regulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems for regulating the flow rate and purge functions of cryogenic propellants in spacecraft require multiple distinct devices, leading to complex structures, increased mass, space requirements, and costs.
Innovation Solution
A single valve design that integrates flow rate regulation and purge functions using a plug valve with a purge duct and shutter, where the plug's rotation controls fluid flow between ducts and actuates the shutter for purge functionality, utilizing an unexploited angular range to combine functions within a single equipment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple distinct devices (plug valve and purge valve) are used to perform flow rate regulation and purge functions, then the functions can be performed separately and reliably, but the structure becomes complex, mass increases, and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the plug valve and purge valve into a single integrated valve body. The plug valve component performs flow rate regulation while the purge valve component performs purge functions, both within the same valve assembly. This merging eliminates the need for separate devices, reducing structural complexity, mass, and space requirements while maintaining functional reliability through dedicated components for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated valve design allows a single valve body to perform multiple functions: flow rate regulation via the plug valve mechanism and purge operations via the purge valve mechanism. The valve body serves as a universal component that accommodates both functional requirements, reducing the overall number of components needed in the system.
2Reliability
If multiple distinct devices are used for flow rate regulation and purge functions, then each function can be optimized independently, but the associated mass and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the plug valve and purge valve into a single integrated assembly, the total mass of the valve system is reduced compared to having two separate devices. The shared valve body and actuation mechanisms eliminate redundant structural elements, fasteners, and mounting hardware that would be required for separate devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The universal valve body design accommodates both flow rate regulation and purge functions within a single component structure, reducing the total mass required compared to having separate specialized devices for each function.
3Reliability
If multiple distinct devices are used for flow rate regulation and purge functions, then each device can be optimized for its specific function, but the costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated valve design reduces manufacturing costs by eliminating the need to manufacture, assemble, and inventory separate plug valve and purge valve components. The single valve body can be manufactured as one piece or pre-assembled unit, reducing assembly operations, fasteners, and quality inspection steps compared to multiple separate devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The universal valve body serves multiple functions, reducing the total number of components that need to be manufactured and assembled. This multi-functionality approach reduces material costs, manufacturing complexity, and assembly operations while maintaining dedicated mechanisms for each specific function.
4Device complexity
If a single valve integrates both flow rate regulation and purge functions, then the structure is simplified and mass is reduced, but the device must perform multiple functions reliably
Solution Approach 1:
While merging components simplifies the overall structure, the design maintains functional reliability by providing dedicated mechanisms within the integrated valve: a plug for flow rate control and a separate purge valve mechanism for purge operations. Each mechanism is optimized for its specific function within the unified valve body.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve body is designed as a universal component that reliably performs multiple functions through integrated mechanisms. The plug valve mechanism handles flow rate regulation while the purge valve mechanism handles purge functions, with both mechanisms operating independently within the same valve assembly to ensure reliable multi-functional performance.
5Device complexity
If a single actuation system controls both flow rate regulation and purge functions, then the system is simplified, but the control mechanism must manage multiple operations
Solution Approach 1:
The single actuation system simplifies the overall control architecture by eliminating the need for separate actuation mechanisms for the plug valve and purge valve. A single actuator can control both functions through integrated linkages or sequential operation, reducing the number of actuators, control signals, and associated hardware.
Solution Approach 2:
The actuation system is designed as a universal control mechanism that can perform both flow rate regulation and purge operations. The actuator may operate in different modes or sequences to achieve different functions, simplifying the control system while maintaining the ability to perform multiple operations reliably.
Data Source
AI summary
A valve includes a valve body provided with a plug, connected to an actuation system, an upstream duct, a downstream duct, and a purge duct provided with a shutter. The plug is movable in rotation about a longitudinal axis in the valve body, so that the rotation of the plug according to a first angular sector defines a flow between the upstream duct and the downstream duct, the rotation of the plug according to a second angular sector separate from the first angular sector shuts off the connection between the upstream duct and the downstream duct, and the rotation of the plug according to a third angular sector included in the second angular sector actuates the shutter so as to allow a flow from the upstream duct to the purge duct.