Zonal Hydraulic Isolation Without Backup Pressure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Aircraft hydraulic systems face challenges in isolating the main hydraulic system from consumers in the event of a leak without relying on pressure from the backup system, which is critical for ensuring continuous hydraulic power to flight controls.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a zonal hydraulic system and isolation valve arrangement that includes a main port, backup port, consumer port, pilot operated shutoff valves, and a solenoid valve, allowing for isolation of the main system from consumers without requiring backup pressure, utilizing a pilot flow path and solenoid valve to control fluid communication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the main hydraulic system is isolated from consumers in the event of a leak using conventional methods, then system integrity is maintained, but backup pressure is required which complicates the isolation process and delays response time
Solution Approach 1:
The isolation valves are pre-configured in the hydraulic system with pilot ports and fluid communication paths established beforehand. When a leak is detected, the system can immediately actuate the isolation valves using pre-positioned components without requiring complex real-time decision-making or backup pressure activation sequences, thus maintaining system integrity while simplifying the isolation process
Solution Approach 2:
A pilot fluid system acts as an intermediary mechanism between the leak detection sensor and the isolation valves. The pilot fluid communicates pressure changes and actuation signals through dedicated pilot ports and fluid paths, enabling rapid valve response without requiring direct mechanical connection or complex control systems, thereby reducing isolation process complexity while ensuring reliable isolation
2Reliability
If conventional isolation methods are used, then leak isolation is achieved, but response time is increased due to dependency on backup system pressure
Solution Approach 1:
The isolation valves and their pilot fluid paths are pre-configured and ready for immediate actuation. The system maintains pilot fluid pressure and valve readiness in advance, so when a leak occurs, the isolation can be executed instantly without waiting for backup system pressure activation or complex sequencing, thereby reducing isolation response time while maintaining reliable leak isolation
Solution Approach 2:
A leak detection sensor provides real-time feedback about hydraulic system leaks to the control system. This feedback triggers immediate actuation of the isolation valves through the pilot fluid system, creating a closed-loop response that minimizes isolation response time by continuously monitoring and reacting to leak conditions without delay
3Reliability
If backup system pressure is used for isolation, then isolation is achieved, but continuous hydraulic power to flight controls may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The hydraulic system is segmented into multiple independent circuits with separate isolation valves for each consumer or circuit section. This segmentation allows isolation of only the specific leaking portion while leaving other segments and their hydraulic power supply intact, thereby maintaining isolation effectiveness while preserving continuous hydraulic power to non-affected flight controls
Solution Approach 2:
Isolation is applied locally at the specific consumer or circuit section where a leak is detected, rather than isolating the entire hydraulic system. The pilot-operated isolation valves are positioned to provide localized isolation, ensuring that only the affected area is isolated while other areas continue to receive hydraulic power, thus maintaining both isolation effectiveness and hydraulic power availability
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
Enables the isolation of the main hydraulic system from consumers during leaks without utilizing backup pressure, ensuring continuous hydraulic power to critical flight controls and maintaining system integrity.
Implementation Method 1
The first pilot operated shutoff valve is located on the first main fluid flow path between the main port and the consumer port. The first pilot operated shutoff valve in a first position provides fluid communication between the main port and the consumer port and in a second position prevents fluid communication between the main port to the consumer port.
Implementation Method 2
The first solenoid valve is located on the pilot flow path between the main port and the first and the second pilot ports of the first and second pilot operated shut off valves. The first solenoid valve in a first position provides fluid communication between the main port and the first and the second pilot ports and in a second position prevents fluid communication between the main port and the first and the second pilot ports.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present disclosure relates to isolation and reconfiguration schemes, architectures and methods for use in aircraft hydraulic systems (100). The main hydraulic system (104) of each hydraulic section (102a, 102b) of the aircraft hydraulic system (100) can be isolated from one or more consumers (110) in the event of a leak without the use pressure from the backup system (108). Further, in some embodiments, the main hydraulic system (104) of each hydraulic section (102a, 102b) of the aircraft hydraulic system (104) can be isolated from one or more consumers (110) in the event of a leak without the use pressure from the backup system (108) and the main system (104).