Relay Valve Configuration for Fail-Safe Remote Actuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing actively actuated valve systems in aerospace applications lack a mechanism to maintain the valve system in a given position if the electronically controllable valve fails.
Innovation Solution
A redundant valve system with a relay valve configuration, including a first moveable member in a first chamber, a second moveable member in a second chamber, and a third moveable member in a biasing chamber, which are interconnected via mechanical linkages and biasing members to ensure fluid control and fail-safe operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If an electronically controllable valve is used to control fluid flow, then the valve system can be actuated remotely and quickly, but the system loses reliability if the electronically controllable valve fails
Solution Approach 1:
The valve system is segmented into multiple independent components: an electronically controllable valve for remote actuation and a passive actuation system with multiple moveable members for reliability. The first moveable member controls the main valve, while the second and third moveable members form a redundant passive actuation mechanism that can maintain valve position independently if the electronic system fails.
Solution Approach 2:
The system utilizes pressure differential changes as a parameter to actuate the valve passively. When pressure differential across the first moveable member exceeds a threshold, it triggers the passive actuation sequence through the second and third moveable members, changing the system's operational state without electronic intervention.
2Reliability
If a redundant passive actuation system is added to ensure fail-safe operation, then the system reliability improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The passive actuation system merges multiple functions into a compact relay valve structure. The first, second, and third moveable members are integrated within a single valve body, sharing common fluid passages and biasing mechanisms. This combining approach reduces overall system complexity compared to having separate redundant valve systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve system employs a nested configuration where the second moveable member is disposed within the first moveable member's chamber, and the third moveable member is nested within the biasing chamber. This nested arrangement allows multiple actuation stages to coexist in a compact space, reducing the overall footprint and structural complexity.
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 system effectively maintains the valve system in a desired position during engine flight profiles, ensuring safe operation even if the electronically controllable valve fails, by utilizing passive and active actuation mechanisms.
Implementation Method 1
A first biasing member is disposed on a first side of the second movable member configured to bias the second moveable member to the first position of the second moveable member to prevent fluid from entering the biasing chamber
Implementation Method 2
A second biasing member is disposed on a first side of the third moveable member configured to bias the third moveable member to the first position of the third moveable member and the first position of the first moveable member to allow to pass from an inlet of the first chamber to an outlet of the first chamber
Implementation Method 3
A third moveable member is disposed in the biasing chamber and operatively connected to the first moveable member via a mechanical linkage, the third moveable member configured to move between a first position and a second position of the third moveable member
Data Source
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AI summary
A system, comprising a first moveable member (208) disposed in a first chamber (106) configured to move between a first position and a second position to allow or prevent fluid from passing from an inlet (110) to an outlet (112) of the first chamber (106); a second moveable member (214) disposed in a second chamber (116) configured to move between a first position and a second position to prevent or allow fluid from entering a biasing chamber (118), the second chamber (116) fluidly connected to the first chamber (106); a first biasing member (222) configured to bias the second moveable member to the first position of the second moveable member to prevent fluid from entering the biasing chamber (118); a third moveable member (224) disposed in the biasing chamber (118) and operatively connected to the first moveable member (208) via a mechanical linkage (226); and a second biasing member (228) configured to bias the third moveable member (224) to the the first position of the first moveable member to allow fluid to pass through the first chamber.