Multi-flowpath Poppet Valve Reducing Turbulence

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing fluid control valves, such as butterfly valves, experience turbulence when partially open, leading to decreased flow efficiency and increased pressure drop, which can also raise the temperature of the regulated fluid.

Innovation Solution

A poppet valve assembly is used within a gas turbine engine, featuring a valve housing with a tubular duct and annular valve seat, where the poppet valve includes a head and stem that sealingly contacts the valve seat in one position and disengages in another, allowing for efficient fluid flow regulation with reduced turbulence.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a butterfly valve is used to regulate fluid flow, then the valve can variably control flow rate, but turbulence is created particularly when partially open, decreasing flow efficiency and increasing pressure drop

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevariable flow regulationVSAvoidpressure drop

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The valve body is segmented into multiple flowpaths (first flowpath through inner bore, second flowpath through annular region) that can be independently controlled by separate valve elements. This segmentation allows fluid to be distributed across multiple streamlined paths, reducing turbulence and pressure drop while maintaining variable flow regulation capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of using a rotating disk that creates turbulence, the invention inverts the approach by using poppet-style valve elements that move linearly to open/close flowpaths. The valve elements seal against seats to close flowpaths and retract to open them, creating laminar flow patterns rather than turbulent ones, thereby reducing pressure drop while maintaining operational control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

2Ease of operation

If a butterfly valve is used to regulate fluid flow, then the valve can variably control flow rate, but turbulence increases the temperature of the regulated fluid flow

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevariable flow regulationVSAvoidfluid temperature

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The valve body is segmented into multiple flowpaths (first flowpath through inner bore, second flowpath through annular region) that can be independently controlled by separate valve elements. This segmentation allows fluid to be distributed across multiple streamlined paths, reducing turbulence and pressure drop while maintaining variable flow regulation capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of using a rotating disk that creates turbulence, the invention inverts the approach by using poppet-style valve elements that move linearly to open/close flowpaths. The valve elements seal against seats to close flowpaths and retract to open them, creating laminar flow patterns rather than turbulent ones, thereby reducing pressure drop while maintaining operational control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

3Loss of energy

If a poppet valve with multiple flowpaths is used, then turbulence and pressure drop are reduced, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepressure dropVSAvoidvalve structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple valve elements are merged into a single integrated assembly that operates within a unified valve body containing multiple flowpaths. The valve elements, seats, and housing are combined into a compact multi-flowpath structure, reducing overall system complexity compared to using multiple separate valves while maintaining the energy efficiency benefits of multiple streamlined flowpaths.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 poppet valve assembly effectively reduces turbulence and pressure drop, enhancing flow efficiency and maintaining fluid temperature stability across varying operational states.

Implementation Method 1

The head is configured to sealingly contact the annular valve seat when the poppet valve is in the first position

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSealing contact:

Implementation Method 2

The stem may extend through and may be slidably engaged with the valve mount

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLinear motion:

Implementation Method 3

A multi-flowpath valve configuration is provided that may reduce turbulence within a working fluid that is regulated by the valve assembly

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTurbulence reduction: Turbulence

Data Source

PatentEP3348799B1Multi-flowpath fluid control valve

Publication Date: 2020.08.05 RTX CORP

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AI summary

An assembly includes a valve housing (56) and a valve element (58) such as a poppet valve (58). The valve housing (56) includes a tubular duct (62) and an annular valve seat (64) disposed within the tubular duct (62). A first flowpath (90) includes an inner bore (88) of the annular valve seat (64). A second flowpath (78) includes an aperture formed between the annular valve seat (64) and the tubular duct (62). The poppet valve (58) is configured to engage the annular valve seat (64) and substantially close the first flowpath (90) when the poppet valve (58) is in a first position. The poppet valve (58) is further configured to disengage the annular valve seat (64) and at least partially open the first flowpath (90) when the poppet valve (58) is in a second position.