Swirl Valve Flow Control Using Tangential and Radial Jets
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional spool valves used in fuel injectors for gas turbine engines are costly to manufacture and require high power forces to adjust flow, leading to inefficiencies and increased operational costs.
Innovation Solution
A valve system utilizing a directional jet system and spin chamber, where the directional jet system includes a plurality of members that can move between tangential and radial positions to control flow, and is actuated by a rotary prime mover, eliminating the need for match grinding and highly calibrated porting.
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 the traditional mechanical spool valve system with a magnetic field-based control system. A magnet is positioned within the spool valve to provide controllable force on the valve element, substituting mechanical adjustment and matching with magnetic actuation. This eliminates the need for precise port opening tolerances and match grinding, while maintaining flow control precision through electromagnetic actuation.
2Ease of operation
If electronic solenoid type valves are used to control flow, then ease of operation is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a spring-loaded valve mechanism where a compressed spring provides the closing force on the valve element. The spring is pre-loaded to overcome the maximum expected pressure differential, allowing the valve to close reliably without requiring continuous power input. This mechanical spring system replaces continuous electrical power consumption with a one-time mechanical energy storage solution.
3Power
If large power forces are used to overcome flow pressure in solenoid valves, then flow control capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent pre-loads a spring mechanism during assembly to store mechanical energy that will be released during valve operation. The spring is compressed to a predetermined force during manufacturing, creating a ready-to-actuate system that requires minimal power input during operation. This preliminary mechanical preparation replaces the need for complex high-power electrical solenoids.
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 valve system achieves efficient flow control with reduced manufacturing costs and operational power requirements, allowing for adjustable flow rates and integration with existing hydromechanical valves.
Implementation Method 1
The directional jet system includes a plurality of members each is configured to move between a first position for directing a tangential flow around the drain of the at least one spin chamber and a second position for directing a radial flow toward the drain of the at least one spin chamber
Implementation Method 2
A main spin surface of the at least one spin chamber is defined around the outlet drain
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~7
AI summary
A valve system includes at least one spin chamber (102) having an outlet drain (104) configured to allow flow out of the spin chamber (102). A main spin surface (106) of the at least one spin chamber (102) is defined around the outlet drain (104). A directional jet system (108) is in fluid communication with the at least one spin chamber (102). The directional jet system (108) includes a plurality of members (135) each is configured to move between a first position for directing a tangential flow around the drain of the at least one spin chamber (102) and a second position for directing a radial flow toward the drain of the at least one spin chamber (102).