Multi-Channel Air-Mixing Valve Using Aerodynamic Flap Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing air mixing valves in air conditioning systems, particularly in low-pressure applications like aircraft, face issues with mechanical complexity, weight, energy consumption, and pressure drops due to the use of mechanical control members and pneumatic regulation, which complicates integration and increases maintenance costs.
Innovation Solution
The air mixing valve employs an aero-controlled regulation device that utilizes aerodynamic energy to open and close flaps, eliminating the need for mechanical control members and reducing the number of mechanical elements, thereby minimizing weight, energy consumption, and pressure drops, while maintaining functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If mechanical control elements (springs, cables, levers) are used to operate flaps in air mixing valves, then reliable flap control is achieved, but device complexity and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical control systems (springs, cables, levers) with an aerodynamic control system where airflow itself acts directly on the flaps to control their position. The airflow that would otherwise be wasted is utilized to pivot the flaps open or closed, eliminating the need for separate mechanical actuation mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses its own operational resource (airflow) to control its own components (flaps). The airflow passing through the valve body directly acts on the flaps to regulate their position, making the system self-regulating without external mechanical control elements.
2Ease of operation
If mechanical control elements are used in air mixing valves, then flap operation is achieved, but weight of the valve increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates heavy mechanical components by substituting them with an aerodynamic control mechanism where airflow directly manipulates flap position, significantly reducing the overall weight of the valve assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent removes unnecessary mechanical control elements (springs, cables, actuators) from the system, retaining only the essential flap structures and their aerodynamic interaction, thereby reducing weight while maintaining functionality.
3Ease of operation
If pneumatic regulation with high-pressure air jets is used to control flaps, then flap control is achieved, but energy consumption increases and integration into low-pressure systems becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts what would be wasted airflow energy into a useful control mechanism. Instead of requiring additional high-pressure air jets that consume energy, the system utilizes the existing airflow passing through the valve to control flap positions, turning a potential loss into a functional benefit.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent operates effectively with low-pressure airflow typical of aircraft air conditioning systems, unlike pneumatic systems that require high-pressure air jets. By designing flaps responsive to low-pressure airflow, the system adapts to the operational parameters of the host application.
4Reliability
If check damper dampers are used to prevent backflow, then backflow prevention is achieved, but pressure losses increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamically responsive flaps that adjust their position based on airflow conditions rather than fixed mechanical check dampers. The flaps pivot automatically in response to airflow direction and pressure, providing backflow prevention while maintaining lower pressure losses through smooth aerodynamic transitions.
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
This solution results in a lighter, more reliable, and longer-lasting air mixing valve with reduced maintenance needs, capable of operating efficiently at low pressures and minimizing energy expenditure, making it suitable for integration in low-pressure air conditioning systems on vehicles and aircraft.
Implementation Method 1
The aerodynamic energy of an airflow incident on a profiled flap of the control device exerts on this profiled flap an aerodynamic force capable of setting in motion, this profiled flap itself and each linked flap connected to the profiled flap by a linking mechanism
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to an air mixing valve comprising: - a wall (21) having at least three openings, - at least one air flow regulation device (25) comprising: ∘ at least two flaps (26, 33) placed in the internal volume of the valve, of which at least one aerodynamic flap is arranged relative to one of the openings so as to be able to receive a flow of air passing through this opening, ∘ a mechanism (102) for connecting at least two flaps (26, 33), - each of the flaps (26, 33) being arranged and guided so as to be able to be set in motion relative to the wall (21), characterized in that: - at least one device (25) for regulating air flow, said device (25) for aero-controlled regulation, is mounted so as to be freely movable under the effect of aerodynamic energies of air flow passing through openings.