Integrated Spool-Poppet Valve for Inflation Pressure Shut-Off
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing inflatable evacuation systems for structures like aircraft and boats face challenges in efficiently controlling the flow of pressurized fluid for rapid inflation and deployment, with current valve arrangements being complex and difficult to manufacture and maintain.
Innovation Solution
A solenoid-operated pressure regulator cum shut-off valve arrangement featuring a spool and poppet valve configuration, with a dual solenoid valve system that allows for independent operation of shut-off and regulation functions within a single valve housing, simplifying manufacturing and maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a complex valve arrangement is used to control pressurized fluid flow, then the reliability of the evacuation system is improved, but the ease of manufacture and maintenance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the pressure regulator and shut-off valve into a single integrated valve arrangement with a unified housing, spool, and poppet valve assembly. This merging eliminates the need for separate regulator and shut-off valve components, reducing manufacturing complexity and assembly steps while maintaining reliable pressurized fluid flow control for evacuation systems
Solution Approach 2:
The valve arrangement performs multiple functions simultaneously: the spool provides shut-off control, the poppet valve provides pressure regulation, and both are integrated into a single housing that manages pressurized fluid flow. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed, simplifying manufacturing and maintenance while ensuring reliable operation of the evacuation system
2Ease of manufacture
If a simple valve arrangement is used, then the ease of manufacture is improved, but the reliability of the evacuation system deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the pressure regulator and shut-off valve into a single integrated valve arrangement with a unified housing, spool, and poppet valve assembly. This merging eliminates the need for separate regulator and shut-off valve components, reducing manufacturing complexity and assembly steps while maintaining reliable pressurized fluid flow control for evacuation systems
Solution Approach 2:
The poppet valve in the valve arrangement provides automatic pressure regulation by responding to downstream pressure conditions. When pressure exceeds the set point, the poppet valve closes to maintain proper pressure levels, providing inherent feedback control that enhances system reliability without requiring complex external control systems
3Reliability
If separate regulator and shut-off valve components are used, then the reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the pressure regulator and shut-off valve into a single integrated valve arrangement with a unified housing, spool, and poppet valve assembly. This merging eliminates the need for separate regulator and shut-off valve components, reducing manufacturing complexity and assembly steps while maintaining reliable pressurized fluid flow control for evacuation systems
Solution Approach 2:
While integrating components, the patent maintains functional segmentation through distinct spool and poppet valve mechanisms that operate independently within the unified housing. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function (shut-off and pressure regulation) while benefiting from the simplified integrated structure, reducing overall device 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 enhances ease of manufacturing, reduces maintenance efforts, and increases the reliability of the evacuation system by allowing for efficient control of pressurized fluid flow, ensuring reliable deployment of inflatable evacuation slides.
Implementation Method 1
a solenoid valve configured to open and close the valve arrangement
Implementation Method 2
a spool located in the main fluid channel, the spool configured to translate along the longitudinal axis of the valve housing between a closed position and an open position
Implementation Method 3
a poppet valve located around the spool, the poppet valve configured to translate along the longitudinal axis of the valve housing
Implementation Method 4
the valve arrangement further comprises a first spring adjacent the first piston; a second spring adjacent the poppet valve
Data Source
AI summary
A valve arrangement for a pressurized fluid source includes a valve housing comprising an inlet, an outlet, and a main fluid channel extending along a longitudinal axis of the valve housing. The valve arrangement further includes a spool and a regulating poppet valve coaxially located in the main fluid channel. The spool and a regulating poppet valve are both configured to translate along the longitudinal axis of the valve housing independent of each other. In response to the spool moving to an open position, the poppet valve regulates the flow of a pressurized fluid flowing from the inlet to the outlet of the valve housing.