Pressure-Referenced Valve Layout for Compact Fluid Flow Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid system valves, particularly in gas turbine engines, face challenges related to space, weight, and part count, and existing pressure referenced valves have limitations in design that affect their efficiency and functionality.
Innovation Solution
A pressure referenced valve design featuring a housing with an inlet and outlet passage, a bypass passage, and a piston assembly that moves between valve positions to control fluid flow, with a pressure reference port located between the inlet and outlet passages, allowing for efficient fluid communication and spatial flexibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If existing valve designs are used, then basic fluid control function is achieved, but space, weight and part count increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple valve functions into a single integrated housing structure. The housing includes an inlet passage, outlet passage, bypass passage, and pressure reference port all integrated into one component, eliminating the need for separate valve bodies and reducing overall part count while maintaining compact dimensions
Solution Approach 2:
The valve housing serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides the main fluid passage, incorporates a bypass passage for pressure reference, includes an integrated piston assembly for flow control, and contains a check valve mechanism. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed while achieving the same operational goals
2Ease of operation
If traditional pressure referenced valve designs are used, then pressure control function is achieved, but spatial efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes three-dimensional spatial arrangement within the housing, positioning the pressure reference port and bypass passage in different axial and radial dimensions. This allows pressure reference functionality to be achieved without increasing the overall valve footprint, as components are stacked and arranged vertically rather than requiring additional lateral space
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 enhances the efficiency and flexibility of fluid system valves by optimizing space usage, reducing weight, and minimizing part count while improving the control of fluid flow based on pressure references, thereby addressing the limitations of existing designs.
Implementation Method 1
a piston assembly received within the chamber, the piston assembly including a piston movable axially relative to the rim between a first valve position in which the piston obstructs the flow path at the upstream passage and a second valve position in which the piston is at least partially clear of the flow path to permit fluid flow along the flow path
Data Source
AI summary
A referenced pressure valve for a fluid system having a housing including: an inner wall enclosing a cavity providing fluid communication between the inlet and the outlet; a rim in the cavity defining a bypass passage circumscribed outwardly by the inner wall and inwardly by the rim, an upstream passage located between an upstream end of the cavity and the rim, and a downstream passage located between the rim and a downstream end of the cavity. A rib extends outwardly from the rim to the inner wall through the bypass passage, and a piston assembly, received within a chamber circumscribed outwardly by the rim, includes a piston movable relative to the rim between a position in which the piston obstructs the flow path at the upstream passage and a position in which the piston is at least partially clear of the path to permit flow along the path.