Multi-Way Airflow Valve With Curved Passages for Cabin Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current conditioned airflow systems in vehicles, particularly aircraft, face limitations such as restricted control over airflow direction and distribution, inefficiencies in heating and cooling, and increased complexity and cost due to the use of two-way or three-valve systems.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a multi-way valve system that allows for granular control of airflow distribution by configuring an intake to receive airflow and multiple outlets to provide airflow, with a gate assembly and actuator to direct airflow to specific outlets based on selected distribution modes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a two-way valve system is used to control airflow direction, then the system structure is simple, but the control flexibility and airflow distribution capability are restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The valve body is segmented into multiple outlet passages (first outlet passage, second outlet passage, third outlet passage) that can be independently controlled by separate gates. This allows the single valve to perform multiple airflow distribution functions that previously required multiple separate valves, resolving the contradiction between structural simplicity and control flexibility.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a three-valve system is used to provide granular airflow control, then the airflow control flexibility is improved, but the system complexity, cost, and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple valve functions are merged into a single integrated valve body with multiple outlet passages and gates. The first gate controls the first outlet passage, the second gate controls the second outlet passage, and the third gate controls the third outlet passage, allowing independent control of multiple airflow paths within one compact component. This eliminates the need for three separate valves, reducing system complexity, weight, and cost while maintaining granular airflow control capability.
3Ease of operation
If fixed percentage airflow is bled to pilots' feet in two-way valve systems, then the system operation is simple, but the airflow control precision and heating efficiency are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The fixed airflow bleed system is replaced with dynamic, adjustable control gates that can independently regulate airflow to different outlets. The gates can be positioned to allow variable amounts of airflow through each outlet passage, enabling precise control of airflow distribution to pilots' feet, torso, and canopy according to actual environmental conditions, thereby improving heating efficiency and control precision.
4Volume of moving object
If sharp turns are introduced in airflow path for compact design, then the space requirement is reduced, but the backpressure increases and system efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The airflow passages are designed with smooth curved transitions instead of sharp turns. The first outlet passage, second outlet passage, and third outlet passage all feature curved geometries that guide airflow smoothly from the inlet to the respective outlets, minimizing turbulence and pressure losses while maintaining a compact valve structure.
Data Source
AI summary
Multi-way valves for conditioned airflow control systems. In embodiments, a multi-way valve includes an intake configured to receive an airflow as in input to the multi-way valve, a plurality of outlets, each of the plurality of outlets configured to provide at least a portion of the airflow as an output of the multi-way valve, a gate assembly including a gate opening configured to allow air to flow through the gate opening, and an actuator configured to move the gate assembly to a position configured to allow the airflow to concurrently flow through the gate opening to a first set of outlets of the plurality of outlets while preventing the airflow from flowing to a second set of outlets of the plurality of outlets.