Solenoid Valve Testing via Flow Command Feedback

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for testing solenoid valves in aircraft engine control systems are limited to shutdown or startup and only test one channel, lacking comprehensive redundancy and operational validation.

Innovation Solution

A method and system that send successive valve commands to open and close solenoid valves, monitoring flow commands to detect changes and confirm operation, allowing for continuous testing across multiple channels without requiring engine startup or shutdown.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If known techniques focus on measured effect of engine speed or pressure for testing solenoid valves, then testing can be performed during engine operation, but testing is limited to shutdown or startup and only on one channel

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetesting coverageVSAvoidtesting time

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the testing process by separating the valve command signal generation from the effect measurement. Instead of relying on engine shutdown/startup cycles, the system injects test valve commands independently and monitors flow commands during continuous operation, enabling multiple channels to be tested simultaneously without requiring engine cycles

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements feedback by monitoring the flow command from the control system in response to the injected valve command. The change in flow command serves as feedback confirmation that the solenoid valve operated correctly, enabling verification of valve function during continuous engine operation across multiple channels

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Productivity

If testing is performed during engine operation, then continuous operation is maintained, but comprehensive testing of multiple channels is not achieved

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetesting efficiencyVSAvoidredundancy validation

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies universality by designing a testing system that can evaluate multiple solenoid valve channels simultaneously during engine operation. The system injects valve commands to different channels and monitors corresponding flow commands, enabling comprehensive redundancy validation without sacrificing continuous operation or testing efficiency

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS10920729B2Method and system for testing operation of solenoid valves

Publication Date: 2021.02.16 PRATT & WHITNEY CANADA CORP

AI summary

There are described methods and systems for testing operation of a solenoid valve in a control system. A valve command is sent to successively open and close a solenoid valve. A flow command from a control system is monitored to detect a change in the flow command in response to the valve command. The flow command is associated with regulation of fluid flow in a process controlled by the control system. Operation of the solenoid valve is confirmed when the change in flow command is detected.