High Pressure Relief Valve Piston Geometry for Fuel System Pressure Loss Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing high pressure relief valves in aircraft fuel systems often result in undesirably high pressure losses, which can lead to damage to the fuel pump and main housing, compromising the safe operation of the fuel delivery system.
Innovation Solution
A high pressure relief valve design featuring a piston with a cylindrical body and a spring assembly, where the piston bore is configured to receive the spring assembly, and a nozzle with a conical seat for a pivoting half ball, along with a closure sleeve and damping orifices, optimized to minimize pressure drop and hydraulic side loading, allowing for controlled pressure relief.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If existing high pressure relief valve design is used, then pressure relief function is provided, but pressure losses are undesirably high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies geometric parameters of the relief valve components, specifically the ratio of the first length to the maximum outer diameter of the cylindrical body (between 1.0 and 1.2), and the ratio of the undercut outer diameter to the maximum outer diameter (between 0.8 and 1.0). These parameter changes optimize fluid flow characteristics and reduce pressure losses while maintaining the pressure relief function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a conical surface with a conical angle between 100 and 120 degrees formed within the boss portion. This curved geometric feature optimizes flow patterns and reduces turbulence, thereby minimizing pressure losses during pressure relief operations.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If pressure relief is enabled, then fuel pump protection is provided, but pressure drop increases
Solution Approach 1:
The relief valve is divided into functional segments including a cylindrical body, a boss portion, and an undercut portion. Each segment is optimized for its specific function: the cylindrical body provides structural support and spring housing, the boss portion provides the conical seating surface, and the undercut portion creates the annular flow passage. This segmentation allows each part to be optimized independently, reducing overall pressure drop while maintaining protective function.
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the valve structure have different geometric properties optimized for their local function. The conical surface in the boss portion is optimized for sealing and flow direction, while the undercut portion with its specific diameter ratio is optimized for minimizing pressure drop in the annular passage. This local optimization reduces overall pressure losses.
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 design significantly reduces pressure losses and improves the operational efficiency of the fuel delivery system by effectively managing pressure and preventing damage to the fuel pump and housing.
Implementation Method 1
A spring assembly biases the piston to close the nozzle outlet
Implementation Method 2
The high pressure relief valve includes one or more of the following valve characteristics: wherein the sleeve body includes at least one damping orifice defined by a damping orifice diameter
Data Source
AI summary
In one featured embodiment, a piston for a valve comprises a cylindrical body surrounding a center axis and defined by an overall length extending from an upstream end to a downstream end. The cylindrical body has a piston bore configured to receive a spring assembly. The cylindrical body has a maximum outer diameter that comprises a closure sleeve contact surface, and the cylindrical body is defined by a first length that is less than the overall length. A ratio of the first length to the maximum outer diameter is between 1.0 and 1.2.