Swirl Valve Spin Chamber Control for Low-Force Flow Adjustment
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional spool valves used in fuel injectors for gas turbine engines are costly due to precise tolerancing and require high power to overcome flow pressure, lacking efficient control over flow adjustment.
Innovation Solution
A valve system utilizing a directional jet system with a spin chamber and rotational actuator to control flow by changing the direction of the jet relative to the spin chamber, allowing for adjustable flow without match grinding or high power requirements, incorporating a hydromechanical piston valve assembly and check valve for precise control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If spool valves are made using carefully toleranced port opening and match ground with sleeve, then flow control precision is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional mechanical spool valve systems with a hydraulic control system that uses a piston, spring, and port structure. This substitution eliminates the need for expensive match grinding and tight tolerancing while maintaining precise flow control through hydraulic pressure balance mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the control parameter from mechanical position (spool displacement) to hydraulic pressure (piston position). By using pressure-driven control through the spring-piston assembly, the system achieves precise flow regulation without requiring the mechanical precision of traditional spool valves.
2Extent of automation
If electronic solenoid type valves are used to control the spool window, then automation is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The hydraulic control system is self-regulating through the spring-piston mechanism that automatically balances against inlet pressure. The system uses the process fluid's own pressure to control the valve opening, eliminating the need for external power sources and creating a passive, energy-free control mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a hydraulic control mechanism where inlet pressure acts on a piston balanced by a spring force. This hydraulic system provides automated flow control through pressure equilibrium without requiring electrical power, replacing active electronic solenoids with a passive hydraulic balancing system.
3Power
If spool valves are used to control flow against high inlet pressure, then flow control capability is improved, but the force required to adjust the valve increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from linear spool valve control to a piston-based system where the control force is applied in a different dimensional context. The spring-piston assembly utilizes axial force balance against the pressure differential, allowing high flow control capability with reduced actuator force requirements through mechanical advantage.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring assembly acts as a counterbalancing element that offsets the force required to move the piston against inlet pressure. By pre-loading the spring to balance the expected pressure forces, the system minimizes the additional force needed for valve adjustment while maintaining control over high-pressure flow.
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
Enables reliable and cost-effective flow control with reduced leakage and power consumption, allowing for adjustable flow by varying swirl patterns, and can be integrated with existing hydromechanical valves for comprehensive scheduling.
Implementation Method 1
directing a tangential flow around the drain
Implementation Method 2
directing a radial flow toward the drain
Implementation Method 3
allowing for adjustable flow by varying swirl patterns
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~7
AI summary
A valve system includes a spin chamber (102) having an outlet drain (104) configured to allow flow out of the spin chamber (102). A main spin surface of the spin chamber (102) is defined around the outlet drain (104). A directional jet system (108) is in fluid communication with the spin chamber (102). The directional jet system (108) includes a member that is configured to move between a first position for directing a tangential flow around the drain, and a second position for directing a radial flow toward the drain.