Three-Position Transfer Valve for Asymmetric Actuator Loading

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional effector systems with gravity biases and/or distortions, such as engine nozzle actuators, face controllability issues due to asymmetric loading caused by nozzle tilt, which conventional actuator systems cannot effectively account for.

Innovation Solution

A system comprising a first and second controllable valve, a transfer valve, and a transfer control system, where the transfer valve can move between three positions to fluidly communicate pressure control lines between functional systems, and the transfer control system controls the valve's position using pressure differentials and a controller.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If traditional actuator systems are used with gravity biases, then the system structure is simple, but the controllability deteriorates due to asymmetric loading from nozzle tilt

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovecontrollabilityVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system divides the actuator control into multiple independent controllable valves (first controllable valve, second controllable valve, and transfer valve) that can be independently controlled. This segmentation allows asymmetric loading compensation by adjusting individual valve positions while maintaining overall system controllability without excessive complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The transfer valve is designed to move between multiple positions (first, second, and third positions) to dynamically reconfigure fluid connections. This dynamic adaptability allows the system to respond to asymmetric loading conditions by changing the configuration of pressure control lines, thereby improving controllability under varying operational conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If conventional actuator systems are used, then the device complexity is low, but the adaptability to asymmetric loading conditions deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to asymmetric loadingVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The transfer valve dynamically reconfigures fluid connections between different functional systems and controllable valves based on operational conditions. This dynamic adaptability enables the system to handle asymmetric loading by shifting pressure control line connections, providing versatility without requiring a completely complex system redesign.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The transfer valve serves multiple functions by being able to fluidly communicate different pressure control lines to different functional systems in different positions. This multi-functionality allows a single component to adapt to various loading conditions, improving system versatility while controlling overall complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Ease of operation

If the transfer valve reconfigures fluid connections to compensate for asymmetric loading, then the controllability improves, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovecontrollabilityVSAvoidvalve system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The valve system is segmented into distinct controllable components (first controllable valve, second controllable valve, transfer valve) that can be independently controlled. This segmentation allows the complex function of asymmetric loading compensation to be achieved through coordinated control of simpler individual valve elements, improving controllability while managing system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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

This solution enables improved controllability and adaptability of effector systems by allowing the transfer valve to reconfigure fluid connections in response to asymmetric loading, thereby enhancing the system's ability to manage and compensate for such conditions.

Implementation Method 1

The transfer valve can be force-balanced by the one or more biasing members and the transfer control pressure from the at least one transfer control valve

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPressure differential: Pressure Gradient

Implementation Method 2

The transfer valve can be force-balanced by the one or more biasing members and the transfer control pressure

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical force: Mechanical Force

Data Source

PatentEP4502398A1Valve systems
Publication Date: 2025.02.05 HAMILTON SUNDSTRAND CORP
  • EP4502398A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4502398A1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP4502398A1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

A system can include a first controllable valve (102), a second controllable valve (104), a transfer valve (106, 406), and a transfer control system. The first controllable valve (102) can be configured to output a control pressure on one or more first pressure control lines (1 10a, 1 10b). The second controllable valve (104) can be configured to output a control pressure on one or more second pressure control lines (112a, 112b). The transfer valve (106, 406) can be in fluid communication with the first controllable valve (102) and the second controllable valve (104). The transfer valve (106, 406) can be configured to move between a first position, a second position, and a third position.