Monocoque Flow Limiter Orifice With Integrated Strainer and Spring

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing hydraulic flow limiters in aircraft systems require complex assembly, frequent maintenance, and high production costs due to multiple components, and are not easily adaptable to varying hydraulic system pressures and foreign object filtration.

Innovation Solution

A flow limiter component with a monocoque body having distinct sections and an orifice configuration that integrates interlocking mechanisms and a strainer, allowing for adjustable spring force application and foreign particle filtration, reducing the need for washer stacks and additional components.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If multiple separate components are used in flow limiters, then the flow limiting function can be achieved, but the assembly complexity increases and production costs rise

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflow limiting functionVSAvoidassembly complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the body, strainer, spring, and flow limiting orifice into a single monocoque structure. The body includes a first chamber and second chamber separated by a wall with an orifice, a strainer is integrated into the first chamber, and a spring is positioned between the strainer and a closure member, all forming an integrated flow limiter component that eliminates the need for multiple separate parts

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The monocoque body structure performs multiple functions simultaneously: it contains the flow limiting orifice, houses the strainer for particle filtration, provides structural support, and incorporates spring mechanisms for pressure regulation. This multi-functional design replaces what would traditionally require multiple separate components

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If multiple separate components are used in flow limiters, then the flow limiting function can be achieved, but production costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflow limiting functionVSAvoidproduction cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

This principle does not apply to this patent as it relates to visual properties rather than manufacturing or functional aspects

Inventive Principle:

Principle #32Color changes

3Reliability

If traditional flow limiter designs are used, then basic flow limiting is achieved, but adaptability to varying pressures and filtration requirements is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflow limiting capabilityVSAvoidadaptability to pressure variations

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The spring mechanism allows the flow limiter to dynamically adjust to varying hydraulic pressures. The spring can be positioned at different locations along the longitudinal axis to provide adjustable spring force, enabling the device to adapt to different pressure conditions while maintaining reliable flow limiting

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent enables parameter adjustment by varying the spring force application points and spring characteristics. The closure member can be positioned at different locations, and springs with different force characteristics can be used, allowing the flow limiter to adapt to varying pressure requirements of different hydraulic systems

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 simplifies assembly, reduces maintenance, lowers production costs, and enhances reliability by integrating multiple functions into a compact, easily manufacturable unit that effectively limits fluid flow and filters particles, while being adaptable to different hydraulic system pressures.

Implementation Method 1

an orifice is disposed in the solid wall, in fluid communication with the first chamber... wherein the orifice is defined by a second inner diameter relative to the longitudinal axis

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressure differential: Pressure Gradient

Implementation Method 2

integrates interlocking mechanisms and a strainer, allowing for adjustable spring force application and foreign particle filtration

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhysical filtration: Filter (physical)

Data Source

PatentUS11913586B2Multi-function orifice subassembly for flow limiters

Publication Date: 2024.02.27 THE BOEING CO

AI summary

A flow limiter component including a monocoque body having first, second, and third sections along a longitudinal axis. The first section includes a first end defining a first edge of the monocoque body and a bordering second end, and a first inner diameter defining a first chamber inside the first section. The second section includes a solid wall, with an orifice disposed therein, in fluid communication with the first chamber, the orifice defined by a second inner diameter. The third section includes a third end bordering the second section and a fourth end defining a second edge of the body, and a third inner diameter, the third inner diameter defining a second chamber in the third section. The second chamber is in fluid communication with the orifice. The first inner diameter is greater than the third inner diameter, and the third inner diameter is greater than the second inner diameter.