Piezoelectric Flow Control Valves for Millisecond Response
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing engine fuel control systems, including both passive hydro-mechanical and active electro-mechanical components, lack the necessary speed and responsiveness for rapid flow control, particularly in applications requiring quick adjustments without shutting down the engine.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a system with active flow control devices, including piezoelectric actuators and pressure sensors, that allow for real-time adjustment of flow areas in flow control devices without stopping fluid flow, enabling faster response times and more precise control through a control module with computer-readable instructions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If passive hydro-mechanical components are used in flow control devices, then the system design is simple and reliable, but the response time is slow and cannot be changed during operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional electro-mechanical actuators with piezoelectric actuators that directly convert electrical signals to mechanical displacement. This substitution eliminates intermediate conversion stages, achieving millisecond-response times while maintaining system simplicity through the direct coupling of the piezoelectric element to the flow control valve.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the actuation mechanism from electro-mechanical to piezoelectric, fundamentally altering the physical parameter conversion pathway. This enables response times in the millisecond range by utilizing the direct piezoelectric effect where electrical fields produce immediate mechanical strain in the actuator material, bypassing the slower electromagnetic induction and mechanical conversion of traditional systems.
2Speed
If electro-mechanical actuators are used to provide active control, then the system offers active control capability, but the response time is still not fast enough for desired performance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes piezoelectric actuators for electro-mechanical actuators, replacing the electromagnetic field-to-mechanical motion conversion with a direct electrical-to-mechanical conversion process. This substitution achieves response times in the millisecond range, significantly faster than conventional electro-mechanical systems, while maintaining reliable control through the inherent precision of piezoelectric material deformation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the flow control device design is fixed, then the system is simple to manufacture, but the design cannot be changed during operation without shutting down the engine
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic adjustability by coupling the piezoelectric actuator to the flow control valve, enabling real-time modification of valve opening positions and flow characteristics. The piezoelectric actuator receives control signals that dynamically adjust the valve geometry, allowing design changes during operation without requiring engine shutdown, while the valve itself maintains a simple manufacturable structure.
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 provides faster response rates and improved dynamic performance, reducing the complexity and weight of fuel control systems, while allowing for software-based updates to enhance performance without hardware changes, effectively replacing traditional hydro-mechanical valves with high-accuracy, millisecond-response piezoelectric devices.
Implementation Method 1
the one or more actuators can include a piezoelectric actuator
Data Source
AI summary
In accordance with at least one aspect of this disclosure, a system for active flow control includes one or more flow control devices configured to control flow between a fluid source and a fluid destination, and a control module configured to control a flow area of each of the one or more flow control devices with fluid provided from the fluid source flowing to the fluid destination through the one or more flow control devices.