Tubular Bumper Absorbs Shock in Flapper Check Valve
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Solution Overview
Problem
Flapper check valves in fluid systems, particularly those used in air cycle machines, are prone to failure due to repeated shock forces when the flaps quickly open, leading to damage such as cracking or deformation, which reduces their lifespan.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating tubular bumpers that contact posts upon opening, which absorb and dissipate forces, thereby distributing and reducing the impact on the flaps, thus prolonging their life.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If flappers are used to cover apertures in check valves, then mono-directional flow control is achieved, but repeated impact against stop pins causes cracking or deformation reducing part lifetimes
Solution Approach 1:
A bumper is attached to the flap assembly to absorb impact forces before they reach the flap. The bumper acts as a cushioning element that deforms or compresses during impact with the stop pin, reducing the shock transmitted to the flap and preventing cracking or deformation that would reduce flap lifetime.
Solution Approach 2:
The bumper serves as an intermediary element between the flap and the stop pin. Instead of the flap directly contacting the stop pin and absorbing all the impact force, the bumper mediates this interaction by absorbing and dissipating the shock forces, thereby protecting the flap from damage.
2Reliability
If tubular bumpers are added to absorb impact forces, then flap lifetime is increased, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The bumper is formed as a thin-walled tubular structure that provides effective impact absorption through its geometric configuration rather than through thick material. The thin-walled tube deforms elastically or plastically under impact, absorbing energy while adding minimal mass and complexity to the overall valve assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The bumper can be constructed from composite materials or material combinations that provide high impact absorption capability per unit mass and volume. By selecting appropriate materials, the bumper achieves effective shock absorption while maintaining a compact, simple structure that minimizes added 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 use of tubular bumpers effectively prevents failure of the flaps by distributing shock forces, increasing the component's life and reducing maintenance costs, while maintaining a lightweight and cost-effective design.
Implementation Method 1
tubular bumpers that contact posts upon opening, which absorb and dissipate forces
Data Source
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AI summary
A check valve (10) includes a housing (12), a flap (14), a hinge (20), at least one post (18a), and at least one tubular bumper (26a). The hinge (20) allows the flap (14) to rotate relative to the housing (12) between a fully open position and a closed position. The at least one post (18a) is disposed at or near the periphery of the housing (12) supporting the hinge (20) and extending axially relative to the housing (12) from the housing (12). The at least one tubular bumper (26a) is movable with the flap (14) and configured to contact the at least one post (18a) when the flap (14) pivots to the fully open position.