Modular Valve Assembly for Two-Way and Three-Way Reconfiguration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid flow systems, particularly in aerospace applications, face high operational costs due to the need to stock multiple valve configurations, which are prone to wear and damage, necessitating frequent replacements.
Innovation Solution
A modular valve assembly with interchangeable components such as plugs and hubs that allow conversion between two-way and three-way configurations, and adjustable stroke lengths, reducing the need for multiple valve types in inventory.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple valve configurations are stocked for replacement, then system reliability is improved, but operational cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The valve body is designed with multiple valve openings that can accommodate different plug configurations, allowing a single valve body to function as both 2-way and 3-way valves. This universal design enables one valve assembly to replace multiple specialized valves, reducing inventory requirements while maintaining system reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve is divided into separable components: a universal valve body, interchangeable plugs, and configurable valve openings. This segmentation allows individual components to be replaced or reconfigured without replacing the entire valve assembly, reducing the need to stock multiple complete valve configurations.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple valve types are kept in stock, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
A single universal valve body design with multiple configurable valve openings can adapt to different system requirements by installing different plug configurations. This eliminates the need to manage multiple specialized valve types in inventory, simplifying inventory management while maintaining configuration flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve configuration is made dynamic and adjustable through interchangeable plugs and configurable openings. Rather than having fixed specialized valves, the system allows runtime reconfiguration by swapping plugs, providing adaptability without increasing inventory complexity.
3Manufacturing precision
If valves are designed with fixed configurations, then manufacturing precision is improved, but ease of manufacture worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The valve is manufactured as separable components with standardized interfaces. The valve body is produced with precisely configured openings, while plugs are manufactured as separate precision components. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured with high precision using optimized processes, then assembled through standardized interfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve configuration parameters (number of active openings, flow paths) are changed not by retooling the entire manufacturing process, but by assembling different plug configurations into the standardized valve body. This allows parameter variation without compromising manufacturing precision of individual components.
Data Source
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AI summary
A valve assembly includes a valve body including a plurality of valve openings (36, 38, 44), and a valve piston (26) positioned in the valve body and movable therein along a valve axis (32). The valve piston (26) is configured to selectably control a flow of fluid through the valve body via the plurality of valve openings (36, 38, 44). One or more plugs (54) are selectably installable to one or more valve openings (36, 38, 44) of the plurality of valve openings (36, 38, 44) to selectably change the valve configuration between a two-way valve and a three-way valve.