Removable Pilot Valve Actuator for Aircraft Hydrant Valves
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hydrant valves for aircraft fueling are prone to contamination, suffer from cross-system contamination due to different pressure media, and are economically inefficient due to the need for multiple expensive actuators, each installed with the valve rather than on fueling vehicles.
Innovation Solution
A removable pilot valve actuator connected via a quick disconnect mechanism, sealed to prevent fluid transfer and designed for pneumatic or hydraulic operation, allowing for centralized actuator management on fueling vehicles rather than at each hydrant valve.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the actuator is permanently installed on the hydrant valve, then the hydrant valve can be operated reliably, but the actuator is exposed to contaminants and cross-system contamination occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into two separate components: the hydrant valve assembly and the actuator. The actuator is removed from permanent installation on the hydrant valve and instead mounted on the fueling vehicle. A quick disconnect mechanism enables temporary coupling when needed and separation when not in use, preventing contaminant exposure while maintaining operational reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The actuator is extracted from the hydrant valve assembly and relocated to the fueling vehicle. This separation removes the actuator from the contaminated hydrant pit environment while preserving its function through the quick disconnect coupling mechanism.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple actuators are installed on each hydrant valve, then each valve can be controlled independently, but the cost and complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
A single actuator mounted on the fueling vehicle serves multiple hydrant valves sequentially. The quick disconnect mechanism enables one actuator to couple with different hydrant valves as needed, eliminating the need for dedicated actuators on each valve and reducing overall system complexity while maintaining individual control capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a static configuration where each valve has a fixed actuator to a dynamic configuration where one actuator moves between multiple valves. The quick disconnect mechanism enables this dynamic reconfiguration, allowing a single actuator to serve multiple functions at different times.
3Strength
If the actuator is permanently attached to the hydrant valve, then the connection is secure, but maintenance and repair become difficult and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The connection between actuator and hydrant valve is segmented into a quick disconnect mechanism that allows rapid separation. This enables easy removal of the actuator for maintenance or replacement without complex disassembly, while maintaining secure connection during operation through the latching mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The quick disconnect mechanism is designed to be operable by the fueling operator without requiring specialized tools or technical expertise. The operator can easily connect and disconnect the actuator themselves, eliminating the need for complex maintenance procedures or specialized service personnel.
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 protects the actuator from contaminants, prevents cross-system contamination, and reduces the number of actuators needed, lowering initial investment and maintenance costs by allowing a few actuators to control multiple hydrant valves.
Implementation Method 1
The quick disconnect mechanism comprises an actuating collar, a collar return spring and latching elements on the actuator
Implementation Method 2
practically all hydrant valves are pilot operated; that is, the main hydrant valve will be opened or closed by actuating a smaller pilot valve installed in the main hydrant valve
Implementation Method 3
the pressure within the chamber 22 is equalized with the pressure in the inlet 16... The piston 20 remains in the closed position because of the equalized pressure exerted in the piston chamber 22 and the opposing pressure exerted in the inlet 16
Data Source
AI summary
A pilot valve actuator for use with a hydrant valve has a pilot valve and a removable actuator. The pilot valve blocks communication between a primary hydrant chamber and a piston chamber when in a closed position. Under pressure, the actuator opens the pilot valve against its biasing force permitting the flow of fluid between the hydrant chamber and the piston chamber. The pilot valve is permanently attached to the hydrant valve. The actuator is removable from the pilot valve by a quick disconnect mechanism permitting storage of the actuator remote from the hydrant valve.