Valve Assembly Non-Linear Flow Paths for Noise Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing valve assemblies, particularly in aerospace applications, generate high noise due to high-pressure fluid expansion, which is typically addressed with heavy and complex noise suppression systems like mufflers and silencers, increasing weight and manufacturing costs.
Innovation Solution
The integration of non-linear flow paths within the valve assembly's housing, manufactured using additive layer manufacturing (ALM), which reduces noise without external attachments by altering the fluid exit paths, allowing for a lighter and more efficient noise suppression solution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If heavy attenuators and pepper-pots are added to downstream ducting to suppress noise, then noise suppression is improved, but weight and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The noise suppression features are merged directly into the valve assembly housing, combining the valve function with noise attenuation functionality. The housing includes internal structures such as attenuators and pepper-pots that suppress noise at the source, eliminating the need for separate downstream noise suppression components and reducing overall system weight.
Solution Approach 2:
The noise suppression functionality is extracted from separate downstream components and integrated into the valve assembly itself. By incorporating attenuators and pepper-pots within the housing, the invention removes the need for additional external noise suppression devices, thereby reducing weight and simplifying the overall system.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If heavy attenuators and pepper-pots are added to downstream ducting to suppress noise, then noise suppression is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The noise suppression features are merged directly into the valve assembly housing, combining the valve function with noise attenuation functionality. The housing includes internal structures such as attenuators and pepper-pots that suppress noise at the source, eliminating the need for separate downstream noise suppression components and reducing overall system weight.
Solution Approach 2:
The noise suppression functionality is extracted from separate downstream components and integrated into the valve assembly itself. By incorporating attenuators and pepper-pots within the housing, the invention removes the need for additional external noise suppression devices, thereby reducing weight and simplifying the overall system.
3Ease of manufacture
If traditional manufacturing methods (casting, machining) are used for valve assemblies, then manufacturing is simpler, but geometry of noise suppression features is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The invention utilizes additive manufacturing technology, which represents a fundamental change in the manufacturing parameter from traditional subtractive methods (casting, machining) to additive layer-by-layer construction. This parameter change enables the creation of complex three-dimensional geometries including internal attenuators and pepper-pots that would be difficult or impossible to achieve with conventional manufacturing methods.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces traditional mechanical manufacturing processes (casting, machining) with additive manufacturing technology. This substitution enables the creation of complex geometries and integrated noise suppression features that cannot be easily achieved with conventional mechanical methods, while still maintaining manufacturing feasibility through digital modeling and automated layer-by-layer construction.
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 solution effectively suppresses noise in valve assemblies, such as bleed valve assemblies, by redirecting fluid flow, reducing decibel levels without the need for additional noise suppression components, thereby minimizing weight and manufacturing complexity.
Implementation Method 1
a pair of spaced walls having apertures defining non-linear exit flow paths for the fluid, such as air, exiting the valve
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 1C
AI summary
Features for a valve assembly are described. The features can include a pair of spaced walls having apertures defining non-linear exit flow paths for the fluid, such as air, exiting the valve. In some embodiments, the features are described for a bleed valve assembly, to reduce the decibels produced when used in high pressure contexts, such as aircraft engines. The noise suppression features are integrated with the valve assembly. A valve, such as a stem and valve head, can move within the assembly between open and closed positions. The valve assembly can be manufactured using additive layer manufacturing (ALM) to create a monolithic housing that in some embodiments has the noise suppression features built into the assembly.