Three-Position Poppet Valve Using Spring Force Balance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing poppet valves in gas turbine engines require complex control systems and hardware to maintain intermediate positions, relying on servo-valves or torque/electric motors for force balance, which increases system complexity and cost.
Innovation Solution
A poppet valve design utilizing two springs and a stopper mechanism, where fluid flow compresses one spring to move the poppet head passively to an intermediate position, and an external solenoid-controlled muscle fluid assists the second spring to maintain this position without the need for servo-valves or torque motors, allowing for non-zero force margin and reduced complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If servo-valves or torque/electric motors are used to maintain intermediate positions, then the valve can achieve precise position control, but the system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the complex servo-valve or torque motor components from the system. Instead of using these complex actuators, the invention uses a simplified spring-based force balance mechanism where two springs provide opposing forces to maintain the intermediate position, thereby achieving position control without the need for complex servo mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve system serves itself by using the process fluid pressure to compress one spring, which automatically generates the counterbalancing force needed to maintain the intermediate position. The spring forces self-regulate based on the fluid pressure, eliminating the need for external complex control systems to continuously adjust and balance forces.
2Reliability
If servo-valves or torque motors are used for force balance, then the valve can maintain intermediate positions, but hardware cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive, complex servo-valves or torque motors with inexpensive spring elements. Springs are simple, reliable, and cost-effective components that can be easily replaced if needed, providing a economical solution for maintaining force balance and intermediate positions without requiring sophisticated hardware.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention utilizes the process fluid pressure (pneumatic or hydraulic) to compress one of the springs, converting the fluid energy into mechanical force. This pneumatic/hydraulic approach leverages the existing process fluid to generate the counterbalancing force, eliminating the need for separate complex actuation systems and reducing hardware requirements.
3Adaptability or versatility
If complex control systems are used, then the valve can achieve three-position control, but software complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The three-position control capability is achieved through self-service by the spring-force balance mechanism. The valve automatically transitions between fully open, intermediate, and fully closed positions based on the balance between fluid pressure and spring forces, without requiring complex software logic to calculate and adjust actuator commands for each position transition.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex electronic control systems and software with a mechanical spring-based force balance system. The mechanical springs provide inherent stability and automatic position maintenance through physical force equilibrium, eliminating the need for sophisticated software control algorithms to manage the three-position transitions and force balancing.
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 design simplifies the control system by eliminating the need for servo-valves or torque motors, reducing hardware and software complexity, and enabling cost-effective fluid flow control in gas turbine engines.
Implementation Method 1
A first spring is configured to be compressed with a force generated by fluid flow through the valve
Implementation Method 2
the outside force is provided by a muscle fluid controlled by a solenoid valve
Implementation Method 3
an external solenoid-controlled muscle fluid assists the second spring to maintain this position
Data Source
AI summary
A valve according to an example of the present disclosure includes a poppet head configured to move with respect to a valve outlet of the valve. A first spring is configured to be compressed with a force generated by fluid flow through the valve, and compression of the first spring allows the poppet head to move towards the valve outlet. A second spring is configured to allow the poppet head to move toward the valve outlet when compressed. A method for controlling fluid flow is also disclosed.