Split-Actuator Valve Assembly for Three-Mode Pressure Transfer
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing backup transfer systems for split control effector actuators lack the capability to efficiently manage multiple operational modes with two-position valves, leading to concerns about spring and seal wear.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising first and second controllable valves, shutoff valves, and a transfer valve, controlled by a transfer control system to manage pressure flows between different functional systems, allowing for three distinct operational modes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a traditional two-position transfer valve is used, then the system structure is simple, but spring and seal wear increase due to frequent positioning operations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the single transfer valve into multiple shutoff valves (first shutoff valve, second shutoff valve, third shutoff valve) that can be independently controlled. Each shutoff valve handles specific pressure control lines, allowing the system to achieve three operational modes without requiring a complex multi-position transfer valve, thus reducing wear on individual valve components.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically configures which shutoff valves are open or closed based on operational mode requirements. The controller adjusts the state of each shutoff valve to achieve different operational modes (first mode with first controllable valve active, second mode with second controllable valve active, third mode with third controllable valve active), reducing frequent positioning operations on any single valve.
2Reliability
If multiple controllable valves and shutoff valves are added to enable three operational modes, then spring and seal wear is reduced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Each shutoff valve serves multiple functions by being selectively opened or closed to enable different operational modes. The first shutoff valve, second shutoff valve, and third shutoff valve can be combined in various configurations to support three different controllable valves, allowing each component to perform multiple roles across different operational scenarios.
Solution Approach 2:
The pressure control lines act as intermediaries that connect the controllable valves to the shutoff valves and functional systems. The controller uses these pressure control lines to transmit control signals and pressure to the appropriate shutoff valves, enabling coordinated operation of multiple valves without requiring direct mechanical linkage or complex control mechanisms.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a controller manages multiple shutoff valves and controllable valves, then operational flexibility across three modes is achieved, but the control system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The controller is pre-programmed with the logic to manage the three operational modes and automatically determines which shutoff valves to open or close based on the desired mode. This preliminary configuration of control logic eliminates the need for complex real-time decision-making mechanisms and simplifies the control system architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses pressure control lines to provide feedback between the controllable valves and shutoff valves, allowing the controller to monitor and adjust the state of each valve based on system conditions. This feedback mechanism enables automatic adaptation to different operational modes without requiring manual intervention or complex control algorithms.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
A system can include a first controllable valve (102) configured to output a first control pressure on one or more first pressure control lines, a second controllable valve (106) configured to output a second control pressure on one or more second pressure control lines (108a, 108b), and a valve assembly. The valve assembly can be configured to direct the first control pressure to a first functional system and the second control pressure to a second functional system in a first state, direct the first control pressure to both of the first functional system and the second functional system in a second state, and direct the second control pressure to both of the first functional system and the second functional system in a third state.