Multi-Mode Transfer Valve for Actuator Backup Routing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid systems for aircraft, which include multiple fluid actuators controlled by electrohydraulic servo valves, lack efficient backup modes of operation, leading to potential system failures when primary valves malfunction.
Innovation Solution
A fluid system with a valve system comprising a first control valve, a second control valve, and a transfer valve, which operates in multiple modes to fluidly couple and decouple the control valves with the actuators, allowing for redundant control and backup operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a fluid system includes multiple fluid actuators each controlled by a respective electrohydraulic servo valve, then the system has benefits of redundant control, but the system lacks efficient backup modes of operation when primary valves malfunction
Solution Approach 1:
The transfer valve is designed to dynamically switch between different operational modes (first mode and second mode) based on system needs. In the first mode, it couples the first control valve to the first actuator and the second control valve to the second actuator. In the second mode, it couples the first control valve to both actuators while decoupling the second control valve, enabling adaptive backup operation when a control valve fails.
Solution Approach 2:
The transfer valve serves multiple functions: it acts as a switching mechanism for normal operation and as a backup routing mechanism when a control valve fails. The valve system can operate in multiple configurations, making it versatile for both primary and backup operational scenarios.
2Ease of operation
If the transfer valve restricts flow during first mode, then normal operation is maintained, but flow restriction may impact actuator performance
Solution Approach 1:
The transfer valve dynamically adjusts its flow characteristics based on the operational mode. During first mode (normal operation), it restricts flow through the first station first passage to maintain stable control. During second mode (backup operation), it provides unrestricted flow through the second station first passage to ensure adequate actuator performance when operating with a single control valve.
Data Source
AI summary
A fluid system is provided that includes a first actuator, a second actuator and a valve system. The valve system includes a first control valve, a second control valve and a transfer valve. During a first mode of operation, the transfer valve is configured to fluidly couple the first control valve to the first actuator and fluidly couple the second control valve to the second actuator, and the transfer valve is also configured to fluidly decouple the first control valve from the second actuator and fluidly decouple the second control valve from the first actuator. During a second mode of operation, the transfer valve is configured to fluidly couple the first control valve to the first actuator and the second actuator, and the transfer valve is also configured to fluidly decouple the second control valve from the first actuator and the second actuator.