Multi-Adjustable Lubrication Valve for Pressure Regulation and Low Bypass
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing gas turbine engine lubrication systems face challenges in efficiently managing oil flow pressure, as current valves either require separate pressure adjusting valves (PAVs) and pressure regulating valves (PRVs), leading to inefficiencies and increased costs due to the need for unique control hardware for each component cavity and excessive bypass flow.
Innovation Solution
A multi-adjustable valve that integrates PAV-like behavior below a pressure threshold and PRV-like behavior above the threshold, utilizing a biasing member, adjustable pistons, and a spool to dynamically control fluid flow based on pressure differentials, eliminating the need for separate PAV and PRV systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If separate PAV and PRV systems are used to control oil pressure, then pressure control flexibility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the functions of a pressure adjusting valve (PAV) and a pressure regulating valve (PRV) into a single multi-adjustable valve assembly. The valve includes a body with a PAV portion that receives pump outlet fluid and a PRV portion that regulates fluid pressure to component cavities. This integration allows the system to achieve both pressure adjustment and regulation capabilities while reducing the number of separate components, mounting brackets, and control mechanisms required, thereby decreasing overall device complexity while maintaining pressure control flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The multi-adjustable valve assembly is designed to perform multiple functions within a single device. The PAV portion provides pressure adjustment capability while the PRV portion provides pressure regulation capability. The valve body incorporates both functional sections, allowing the single component to replace what would traditionally require separate PAV and PRV systems, thus achieving universality and reducing system complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If PAV is used to control system oil pressure, then adaptability to pump speed variations is improved, but bypass flow increases
Solution Approach 1:
The PRV portion of the valve incorporates a reference pressure input that enables feedback control of fluid pressure to the component cavities. The valve monitors the actual pressure delivered to components and adjusts the pressure regulator opening accordingly to maintain the desired pressure level. This feedback mechanism ensures that pressure is precisely controlled based on actual system conditions rather than simply responding to pump speed variations, thereby reducing excessive bypass flow while maintaining adaptability.
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 multi-adjustable valve provides efficient and adaptable oil flow management, optimizing pressure and flow according to engine conditions, reducing hardware complexity and costs, and minimizing bypass flow, thus enhancing lubrication system performance.
Implementation Method 1
The biasing member is disposed between the second adjustable piston head and a base surface of the spring housing. In a compressed state, the biasing member produces a biasing force that biases the spool toward the second end of the housing.
Data Source
AI summary
A multi-adjustable valve for a flow of fluid within a lubrication system is provided, having a longitudinal axis. The valve includes a biasing member, a housing, first and second adjustable pistons, and a spool. The housing has an interior cavity and inlet and outlet fluid ports. The first adjustable piston is disposed in the housing interior cavity and is positionally adjustable within the housing interior cavity and is configured to produce a pressure adjusting effect on the flow of fluid. The biasing member is axially disposed between the second adjustable piston and the spool. The second adjustable piston is disposed within the housing interior cavity and is attached to the first adjustable piston and is positionally adjustable relative to the first adjustable piston, wherein the second adjustable piston, the biasing member, and the spool are configured to produce a pressure regulating effect on the flow of fluid.