Triple-Piston PRSOV Layout for Redundant Anti-Ice Flow Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pressure regulating shut-off valves (PRSOV) in aircraft anti-ice systems lack redundancy for both shut-off and regulating functions, leading to potential failures due to piston and pressure relief valve failures, and current solutions either increase weight and size or require multiple valves to achieve redundancy.
Innovation Solution
A triple-piston PRSOV design with a first piston for shut-off, a second piston for both shut-off and regulating functions, and a third piston for redundant regulating functions, allowing for dual redundancy while maintaining a compact size and low weight, with pistons arranged to stabilize operation by locating shut-off functions upstream of regulating pistons.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single piston is used to provide both regulating and shut-off functions, then device complexity is reduced, but reliability is worsened because failure of the piston or pressure relief valve causes loss of both functions
Solution Approach 1:
The valve is segmented into multiple independent pistons: a first piston dedicated to shut-off function and a second piston dedicated to regulating function. This segmentation ensures that failure of one piston does not affect the other, providing functional redundancy while maintaining clear separation of duties.
Solution Approach 2:
Each piston is designed with specific local qualities tailored to its function: the first piston has a larger diameter optimized for shut-off capability, while the second piston has features optimized for pressure regulation. This local differentiation allows each component to excel at its specific function while contributing to overall system reliability.
2Reliability
If two single piston PRSOVs are used in series to provide redundancy, then reliability is improved, but weight and envelope size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the functionality of two separate single-piston valves into a single dual-piston valve. The first and second pistons operate within the same valve body, sharing common structural elements such as the valve housing, seat, and actuation mechanisms. This merging achieves the same redundancy level as two separate valves while significantly reducing overall weight and envelope size.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve body and associated components are designed to support multiple functions simultaneously: the first piston provides shut-off function while the second piston provides regulating function. This multi-functionality allows a single valve assembly to replace what would traditionally require two separate valves, reducing system weight and complexity.
3Reliability
If a dual piston design is used with one piston for shut-off and one for regulating, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases compared to single piston designs
Solution Approach 1:
The valve is segmented into multiple independent pistons: a first piston dedicated to shut-off function and a second piston dedicated to regulating function. This segmentation ensures that failure of one piston does not affect the other, providing functional redundancy while maintaining clear separation of duties.
4Stability of the object's composition
If pistons are arranged with shut-off function upstream of regulating function, then operation stability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The shut-off piston is positioned upstream to first establish whether flow should be permitted or blocked. Only when the shut-off piston confirms flow should be allowed does the regulating piston then modulate the flow rate. This preliminary action sequence ensures stable operation by establishing flow permission before flow modulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve is segmented into multiple independent pistons: a first piston dedicated to shut-off function and a second piston dedicated to regulating function. This segmentation ensures that failure of one piston does not affect the other, providing functional redundancy while maintaining clear separation of duties.
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 triple-piston design provides improved redundancy for both shut-off and regulating functions, maintaining system stability and reducing weight and size compared to traditional dual or single piston valve configurations, ensuring continuous operation even in case of piston or pressure relief valve failures.
Implementation Method 1
a first piston operable as a shut-off piston, the first piston being actuable between a first position in which fluid flow between the inlet and the outlet is permitted, and a second position in which fluid flow between the inlet and the outlet is prevented
Implementation Method 2
a second piston operable as a shut-off piston and as a regulating piston, the second piston being actuable between a first position in which fluid flow between the inlet and the outlet is permitted and a second position in which fluid flow between the inlet and the outlet is prevented
Implementation Method 3
being actuable to regulate flow between the inlet and the outlet
Implementation Method 4
a third piston operable as a regulating piston, the third piston being actuable to regulate flow between the inlet and the outlet
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
A pressure regulating shut-off valve (PRSOV) for an aircraft anti-ice system is provided. The PRSOV (10) comprises: a valve body (11) defining an inlet (12) and an outlet (13), and a fluid flow path (14) between the inlet and the outlet. A first piston (15) is operable as a shut-off piston, the first piston being actuable between a first position in which fluid flow between the inlet and the outlet is permitted, and a second position in which fluid flow between the inlet and the outlet is prevented. A second piston (16) is operable as a shut-off piston and as a regulating piston, the second piston being actuable between a first position in which fluid flow between the inlet and the outlet is permitted and a second position in which fluid flow between the inlet and the outlet is prevented, and being actuable to regulate flow between the inlet and the outlet. A third piston (17) is operable as a regulating piston, the third piston being actuable to regulate flow between the inlet and the outlet.