Two-Ball Check Valve Assembly for RAT Re-Stow Pump Pressure Staging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current check valve designs for RAT re-stow pump assemblies are complex and expensive, necessitating a simpler and less costly solution to manage pressure and facilitate efficient re-stowing of ram air turbines.
Innovation Solution
A check valve assembly with a valve body featuring a first and second end, an actuator port, and a fluid inlet, utilizing two balls and a spring to control fluid flow through different stages of operation, thereby managing pressure and preventing over-pressurization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If two separate check valves are used to perform different stages of operation, then pressure control reliability is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines two separate check valves into a single integrated check valve assembly that performs both stages of pressure control. The assembly includes a valve body with a first check valve for initial pressure relief and a second check valve for secondary pressure control, both housed within one unit. This merging reduces the number of separate components while maintaining the reliability of dual-stage pressure control.
Solution Approach 2:
The single check valve assembly is designed to perform multiple functions: it provides both first-stage and second-stage pressure control, houses two separate check valves with different set pressures, and includes integrated mounting features. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for two separate check valve components while achieving the same pressure control objectives.
2Reliability
If two separate check valves are used to perform different stages of operation, then pressure control reliability is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines two separate check valves into a single integrated check valve assembly that performs both stages of pressure control. The assembly includes a valve body with a first check valve for initial pressure relief and a second check valve for secondary pressure control, both housed within one unit. This merging reduces the number of separate components while maintaining the reliability of dual-stage pressure control.
3Reliability
If traditional check valve designs are used, then pressure control function is achieved, but installation complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines two separate check valves into a single integrated check valve assembly that performs both stages of pressure control. The assembly includes a valve body with a first check valve for initial pressure relief and a second check valve for secondary pressure control, both housed within one unit. This merging reduces the number of separate components while maintaining the reliability of dual-stage pressure control.
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 check valve assembly effectively manages pressure differentials to control fluid flow, preventing over-pressurization and enabling efficient re-stowing of RATs while being simpler and less expensive to manufacture and install.
Implementation Method 1
a check valve spring provided in spring force engagement with the second ball, the check valve spring being sized and positioned to bias the second ball towards the second end
Implementation Method 2
a first stage pressure differential between the actuator port and the fluid inlet creates a fluid flow path from the inlet to the actuator port by causing the second ball to press against the bias of the check valve spring
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3A~3B
Figure 4~5
AI summary
A check valve assembly comprising a valve body having a first end and a second end, the valve body extending along an axis from the first end to the second end; a check valve outlet (30) is located between the first and the second end; an actuator port (32) provided in the check valve body at a location axially between the outlet (30) and the second end, for fluid connection, in use, to a pump actuator (22), the valve body further comprising a fluid inlet (25) via which the check valve is, in use, connected to a fluid tank (10), the fluid inlet (25) being provided in the valve body towards the second end, axially between the actuator port (32) and the second end; the assembly further comprising check valve components located in the check valve body configured to control the flow of fluid entering the check valve from the tank via the fluid inlet (25), and leaving the check valve via the outlet, according to the first and second stages of operation, the check valve components comprising a first ball (202) located in the valve body adjacent the first end, and a second ball (204) located in the valve body adjacent the second end, and a check valve spring (206) provided in spring force engagement with the second ball (204), the check valve spring being sized and positioned to bias the second ball towards the second end; wherein a first stage pressure differential between the actuator port (32) and the fluid inlet (25) creates a fluid flow path from the inlet to the actuator port by causing the second ball to press against the bias of the check valve spring to create a flow passage between the second ball and the second end, and causing the first ball to block the flow of fluid to the outlet (30), and wherein removal of the first stage pressure differential causes the check valve spring to return the second ball to its biased position to close the passage from the fluid inlet to the actuator port and to cause the first ball to move to open a fluid passage between the actuator port and the outlet.