Printed Circuit Board Valve System for Heat Exchanger Weight Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional valves for heat exchangers are large, heavy, and produce undesirable flow distortions, which increase weight and reduce fuel efficiency in vehicles, and add unnecessary payload in aircraft and spacecraft, making them undesirable for applications where weight is a critical factor.
Innovation Solution
A valve system comprising a plurality of motors formed from a printed circuit board, which actuate a plurality of coplanar valves, including rotor and iris valves, to control flow into a heat exchanger, reducing weight and installation time while minimizing flow distortions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Weight of moving object
If conventional valves are used for heat exchangers, then flow control function is provided, but weight increases and fuel efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides a single conventional valve into multiple smaller valve elements (first valve element, second valve element, third valve element, fourth valve element) arranged in a grid pattern. Each element is controlled by its own motor, allowing the large valve to be segmented into manageable units that collectively provide the same flow control function with reduced weight and improved fuel efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a single-point valve control to a two-dimensional array of valve elements. The valve elements are arranged in rows and columns, with motors positioned at specific coordinates (e.g., first motor at front-left, second motor at front-right). This dimensional expansion allows distributed flow control across the heat exchanger surface, reducing the weight of individual components while maintaining overall control capability.
2Manufacturing precision
If conventional valves are used for heat exchangers, then flow control is achieved, but flow distortions are produced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements local quality control by assigning individual motors to control specific valve elements in different regions of the heat exchanger. Each motor can independently adjust its associated valve element, allowing precise local flow control. This distributed control approach eliminates the flow distortions caused by single-point conventional valves, as each region can be optimized independently for uniform flow distribution.
Solution Approach 2:
By segmenting the valve system into multiple independently controlled elements, the patent enables precise local adjustment of flow characteristics. Each valve element can be tuned to compensate for local variations in the heat exchanger geometry, thereby eliminating the flow distortions that would otherwise be generated by a single conventional valve.
3Productivity
If conventional valves are used for heat exchangers, then flow control function is provided, but installation time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the valve system into modular valve elements with integrated motors, allowing parallel installation of multiple units. The standardized configuration of valve elements in a grid pattern enables efficient assembly, reducing installation time compared to installing a single large conventional valve.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve elements are designed with universal mounting configurations that can be adapted to different heat exchanger geometries. The standardized motor-valve element assemblies can be installed in various positions (front-left, front-right, rear-left, rear-right, and intermediate positions), providing multi-functional installation flexibility that reduces overall installation time.
Data Source
AI summary
A valve system comprises a plurality of motors and a plurality of valves. The plurality of motors is formed from a printed circuit board. The plurality of valves is actuated by the plurality of motors.