Pilot Valve Assembly With Molded Seal and Horizontal Reset
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Solution Overview
Problem
Hydrant valves used in aircraft fueling face issues with seal failure, contamination, and debris accumulation due to high pressure and flow rates, which are not effectively addressed by existing pilot actuator assemblies.
Innovation Solution
An improved pilot valve assembly with a spring-loaded poppet and manual reset mechanism, featuring a molded seal to prevent delamination and a lanyard deactuation mechanism to reduce excessive loading, is designed to enhance sealing performance and reduce contamination and debris accumulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional seal design is used in the pilot valve assembly, then the assembly can be simpler to manufacture, but seal failure and contamination occur more frequently due to delamination under high pressure and flow rates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies composite materials by integrating the seal directly into the poppet body as a molded seal, creating a unified structure that combines the structural integrity of the poppet with the sealing properties of the seal material. This eliminates delamination issues between separate seal components and the poppet, significantly improving reliability under high pressure and flow rate conditions.
2Ease of operation
If the reset mechanism is positioned vertically, then it may be easier to operate, but the overall length of the pilot actuator assembly increases causing excessive loads on the pilot valve
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions the reset mechanism from a vertical orientation to a horizontal orientation, changing the dimension in which the reset operation occurs. This horizontal positioning reduces the overall length of the pilot actuator assembly in the vertical direction, thereby eliminating excessive loads on the pilot valve while maintaining operational ease through the horizontal movement path.
3Speed
If the poppet is allowed to move freely to the open position, then the valve can open quickly, but excessive loading occurs on the reset mechanism
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a mechanical stop that pre-limits the travel distance of the poppet before it reaches the fully open position. This preliminary action prevents the poppet from moving too far, thereby avoiding excessive loading on the reset mechanism while still allowing sufficient travel for quick valve opening operation.
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 improved pilot valve assembly reduces seal failure and debris accumulation, while minimizing excessive loads on the pilot valve, ensuring reliable operation and efficient fueling operations.
Implementation Method 1
The pilot valve assembly includes a spring-loaded poppet
Implementation Method 2
A mechanical stop can be provided to restrict movement of the poppet connected to the lanyard
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to an improved pilot valve assembly for a hydrant pit valve. The pilot valve assembly includes a poppet that is movable between an open position and a closed position. The poppet has a molded seal with an interlock feature to hold the seal rigidly. The pilot valve assembly also includes a manually reset mechanism. The reset mechanism can be horizontally positioned and can function to reset the pilot actuator for the next refueling operation. A lanyard can be connected to the poppet to be used a deactuation mechanism.