Fluid handling – Systems – With flow control means for branched passages
Patent
1991-08-08
1992-12-29
Michalsky, Gerald A.
Fluid handling
Systems
With flow control means for branched passages
137117, 137486, 137503, 13762564, G05D 706
Patent
active
051743396
DESCRIPTION:
BRIEF SUMMARY
TECHNICAL FIELD
This invention relates to a fluid flow control valve, and in particular a fluid flow control valve which performs both the functions of a fluid flow metering valve and a pressure regulator.
In conventional known fluid flow control valves a simple fluid flow metering function is provided, and a separate pressure regulator is provided in conjunction therewith to provide control of the fluid flow metering function. This arrangement has the drawback of being bulky and having a relatively high weight.
DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION
The present invention is concerned with providing a fluid flow control valve which performs both the functions of a fluid flow metering valve and a pressure regulator.
In accordance with the present invention a fluid flow control valve comprises a first spool member the position of which controls an output fluid flow from the valve, and control means which controls the position of the first spool member, characterised in that a second spool member, independent of the first spool member, is mounted in a common chamber with the first spool member so as to cooperate with an outlet port through which said output fluid flow passes and to be moveable in response to the pressure drop across said outlet port so that its position is related to said output fluid flow, feedback means being provided which is responsive to the position of the second spool member and provides an input to said control means so that the control means operates as a servo control system.
A fluid flow control valve made in accordance with the present invention provides both the functions of a fluid flow metering valve and a pressure regulator.
Preferably, the feedback means comprises a transducer which produces an electrical output signal related to the position of the second spool member, and said control means comprises an electrohydraulic servo control valve which is controlled in accordance with said output signal from the transducer and hydraulically operates the first spool member. A signal processor is preferably provided to process the transducer output signal and produce a corresponding control signal to operate the servo valve.
In one embodiment of the invention, the feedback means comprises a strut member which is connected to the second spool member and has a bending force induced therein by movement of said second spool member which is indicative of the position of the second spool member. This strut member is provided with strain gauge means which records the strain induced in the strut and produces a feedback signal which is used to control the servo control valve. This strut member acts as a return spring on the second spool member.
The feedback means may further comprise a mechanical connection between the second spool member and the servo control valve, thereby increasing the stability of the servo control system. The mechanical connection may comprise a strut member which is connected to the second spool member and directly relays the position of the second spool member to the servo valve. This strut member is preferably of light construction and bends in transferring the feedback to the servo control valve.
In an alternative embodiment of the invention, the mechanical feedback connection may be the sole feedback means to the control means.
In another alternative embodiment of the invention, the control means that controls the position of the first spool member may be a linear motor, for example, a stepper motor.
A fluid flow control valve made in accordance with the present invention is ideally suited for use as the fuel supply control valve to an aircraft engine. This is because, in comparison with a conventional valve arrangement including a fuel metering valve and pressure regulator, the fluid flow control valve made in accordance with the present invention is smaller and lighter, whilst maintaining the accuracy of the conventional arrangement.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The invention will now be illustrated by way of description of two examples with reference to the accompan
REFERENCES:
patent: 3946757 (1976-03-01), Wallace
patent: 4117857 (1978-10-01), Van De Mark
patent: 4205592 (1980-06-01), Haussler
patent: 4411289 (1983-10-01), Walters
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