Pressure Regulating Valve Aperture Adjustment for Aircraft Fluid Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
In aircraft fluid pressure systems, the simultaneous operation of main and auxiliary pumps can lead to rapid pressure and temperature increases in the auxiliary fluid circuit, potentially damaging components, as the system controller activates the auxiliary pump in anticipation or response to main pump failures, causing excessive pressure when no failure occurs.
Innovation Solution
A pressure regulating valve with a valve spool assembly that adjusts the aperture area between the high and low pressure regions of the auxiliary fluid circuit based on fluid pressure within the main fluid interface line, allowing for fluid flow regulation and reducing pressure and temperature increases by increasing the aperture area when pressure rises and decreasing it when pressure drops.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the auxiliary pump system is activated in response to or in anticipation of a main pump failure, then system reliability is improved, but fluid pressure and temperature in the auxiliary pump system increase rapidly causing component damage
Solution Approach 1:
A pressure regulating valve is introduced as an intermediary component between the auxiliary pump and the auxiliary system. This valve actively monitors fluid pressure and modulates flow to maintain pressure within safe operating limits, preventing the harmful pressure and temperature increases that would otherwise occur when the auxiliary pump operates alongside a failed main pump.
Solution Approach 2:
The pressure regulating valve incorporates a feedback mechanism that continuously monitors fluid pressure in the auxiliary pump system and adjusts the valve opening accordingly. When pressure exceeds the predetermined threshold, the valve reduces flow to bring pressure back within acceptable ranges, creating a closed-loop control system that prevents component damage while maintaining system reliability.
2Productivity
If both main pump and auxiliary pump actively discharge fluid into the system, then system productivity is maintained, but pressure increase results in rapid temperature increase that is detrimental to components
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure regulating valve serves as a mediator that controls the interaction between the auxiliary pump discharge and the overall fluid system. By regulating pressure at the point where auxiliary pump fluid enters the system, the valve prevents excessive pressure buildup that would otherwise convert to harmful temperature increases through fluid compression and friction, thereby protecting components while maintaining productivity.
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 solution effectively mitigates the risk of component damage by regulating fluid pressure and temperature within the auxiliary fluid circuit, ensuring stable operation even during anticipated pump failures without actual deprivation, thus maintaining system integrity.
Implementation Method 1
a valve spool assembly comprising a valve spool and a valve sleeve arranged to circumscribe the valve spool, wherein the valve spool is configured to be slidably moveable within the valve sleeve between a first position corresponding to a minimum pressure within the main fluid interface line and a second position corresponding to a maximum pressure within the main fluid interface line to change an area of the aperture as a function of fluid pressure within the main fluid interface line
Implementation Method 2
the valve spool assembly further comprises an annular gap disposed between the valve spool and the valve sleeve, characterised by the annular gap being configured to be in fluid connection with the second inlet port connected to the main fluid interface line, the valve spool is configured to slide in a first direction from the first position corresponding to the minimum pressure within the main fluid interface line to the second position corresponding to the maximum pressure within the main fluid interface line responsive to an increase in pressure of fluid within the annular gap
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
A fluid pressure regulating system (10) includes an auxiliary fluid circuit (16) having a high pressure region (40) and a low pressure region (42), a pump (44) configured to discharge fluid into the high pressure region (40) and a check valve (50) connecting the high pressure region (40) to a main fluid interface line (52). The fluid pressure regulating system (10) also includes a pressure regulating valve (12) including an aperture (88) defining a fluid path (90) from the high pressure region (40) to the low pressure region (42). The aperture (88) has a variable area as a function of fluid pressure within the main fluid interface line (52).