Rotating Filter Port Closure for Compact Hydraulic Filling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing closure assemblies for water system ports, such as those in aircraft, require a large area to open and close, leading to space constraints and increased wear on components, resulting in premature replacement.
Innovation Solution
A hydraulic port assembly with a closure mechanism that includes a first filter part and a rotatable second filter part, which aligns or misaligns perforations to control fluid flow, allowing for compact operation and reduced wear.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a hinged closure assembly with arm or lever is used to close ports, then effective port closure is achieved, but a large area is required to allow opening and closing operations
Solution Approach 1:
The closure mechanism is divided into two separate filter parts (first filter part and second filter part) that can be independently positioned. The second filter part can be rotated relative to the first filter part to achieve alignment (open position) or misalignment (closed position) of perforations, eliminating the need for a large hinged arm or lever mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a planar hinged motion (requiring large arc movement in two dimensions) to a rotational motion about an axis perpendicular to the flow channel axis. This allows the closure to be achieved within a compact three-dimensional space by rotating the second filter part about the flow channel axis, thereby reducing the required operational area.
2Ease of operation
If repeated opening and closing of hinged closure components is performed, then port access is enabled, but wear increases causing premature replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The closure function is segmented into two filter parts with relative rotational movement. This segmentation allows for a simpler connection mechanism between the parts, reducing stress concentration and wear on any single connection point compared to a traditional hinged arm mechanism that undergoes repeated large-angle bending.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces the traditional hinged mechanical system with a rotational filter part mechanism. The closure is achieved through rotational alignment/misalignment of perforations rather than through hinged arm movement, reducing mechanical wear on seals and connection points.
3Area of stationary object
If a compact closure mechanism is used to reduce space, then space constraints are resolved, but manufacturing complexity may increase
Solution Approach 1:
Both the first filter part and second filter part serve dual functions: they act as filters to remove contaminants from the water flow, and simultaneously serve as the closure mechanism when their perforations are misaligned. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate closure components, simplifying the overall manufacturing process.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using a solid closure component that blocks the port, the invention uses a filter component with perforations that can be rotated to either allow flow (aligned perforations) or block flow (misaligned perforations). This inverted approach maintains the filtering function while achieving closure, reducing manufacturing 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 solution enables effective port closure within a limited space, reduces wear on components, and simplifies manufacturing, resulting in a more efficient and cost-effective assembly.
Implementation Method 1
the second filter element being rotatable about the axis relative to the first filter element, the second filter element having perforations formed therein to allow fluid flow in the flow channel through the second filter part, the second filter part rotatable, relative to the first filter part, about the axis between a first position in which the perforations of the second filter part are aligned with the perforations of the first filter part allowing fluid flow through the filter unit
Data Source
AI summary
A hydraulic port assembly includes a housing having an opening therethrough; a first port located in and extending through the opening defining a flow channel through the fill port from a first end to a second end, the flow channel having an axis (A) defined between the first end and the second end and a closure mechanism moveable between an open position in which the flow channel is open and allows fluid flow therethrough and a closed position in which the flow channel is closed and prevents fluid flow therethrough. The closure mechanism includes: a filter unit comprising a first filter part located in the flow channel, and having perforations formed therein to allow fluid flow in the flow channel through the first filter part; and a second filter part located in the flow channel axially adjacent the first filter element