Check Valve Hinge Post Structure for Flapper Impact Damping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing check valves in aircraft applications face issues with flapper elements not reaching fully open positions simultaneously, leading to delayed fluid flow and potential damage due to high impact forces, requiring robust and heavy components to withstand these forces.
Innovation Solution
A modified hinge pin and stop pin receiving post arrangement, featuring serpentine intermediate portions with alternating slots and enlarged inner ends to distribute stress, allowing for lighter construction and efficient energy dissipation during flapper element impacts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If robust stop pin and hinge pin receiving posts are used to withstand impact forces, then component strength and reliability are improved, but component weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a bumper element that contacts the stop pin before the flapper element impacts it, cushioning the impact in advance. This allows the use of lighter stop pins and receiving posts while maintaining reliability, as the bumper absorbs part of the impact energy before it reaches the structural components.
2Productivity
If flapper elements open at high velocities, then valve productivity is improved, but impact forces on components increase
Solution Approach 1:
The bumper element is positioned to engage the stop pin before the flapper element reaches it, cushioning the impact that occurs during high-velocity operation. This enables the valve to operate at higher speeds for improved productivity while the bumper protects against excessive impact forces.
Solution Approach 2:
The bumper element acts as an intermediary between the flapper element and the stop pin, absorbing and dissipating impact energy. This mediator allows high-velocity operation by preventing direct high-force impacts on the stop pin and receiving posts.
3Stress or pressure
If serpentine intermediate portion with slots is used in hinge pin receiving post, then stress distribution is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The serpentine (curved/wavy) intermediate portion of the hinge pin receiving post distributes stress more effectively compared to a straight design. The curved geometry with alternating slots creates a more favorable stress distribution pattern, reducing peak stresses during flapper operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The intermediate portion is segmented with alternating slots that extend into the receiving post. These slots further distribute and reduce stress concentrations by creating discontinuities in the stress flow path, allowing the use of lighter materials while maintaining structural integrity.
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 simultaneous full opening of flapper elements, reduces stress on components, and allows for higher velocity operation without damage, improving valve efficiency and lifespan while minimizing weight.
Implementation Method 1
serpentine intermediate portions with alternating slots and enlarged inner ends to distribute stress
Implementation Method 2
allowing for lighter construction and efficient energy dissipation during flapper element impacts
Implementation Method 3
the flappers rotate from their closed positions so as to allow the fluid to flow through the valve in the opposite direction
Implementation Method 4
under the pressure of a fluid (gas or liquid) on one side of the check valve
Implementation Method 5
a stop is provided to limit the rotational movement of the flapper elements as they open
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
According to the present disclosure, there is provided a check valve (2) comprising a valve housing (4) defining a pair of valve openings (6). A pair of flapper elements (10) are pivotably mounted to at least one hinge pin (12) for rotation relative to the housing between an open position in which they permit fluid flow through the respective valve openings (6) and a closed position in which they prevent fluid flow through the valve openings (6). The check valve (2) also includes at least one hinge pin receiving post (30, 30', 30") that extends upwardly from the valve housing (4), wherein the at least one hinge pin receiving post (30, 30', 30") comprises a first, lower end portion (32) having an opening (38) for receiving said at least one hinge pin (12), a second, upper end portion (34) and a flexible, serpentine portion (36) intermediate said end portions (32, 34).