Adjustable Valve Spring Arrangement for Differential Pressure Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing differential pressure control valves require multiple valves with different springs to cover a wide range of pressure settings, which increases complexity and reduces efficiency.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable valve with a spring arrangement comprising multiple springs, allowing the valve to operate in various pressure modes by adjusting the position of the springs to provide the necessary spring force for regulating flow area, thereby covering a wide range of differential pressure settings with a single valve.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple differential pressure control valves with different springs are used to cover a wide pressure range, then the differential pressure control capability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a single differential pressure control valve that can perform multiple functions by incorporating multiple springs (first spring and second spring) that can be selectively engaged. The valve can operate in low pressure mode using only the first spring, in high pressure mode using both springs, or in intermediate pressure modes by adjusting the engagement of the second spring, thereby replacing the need for multiple separate valves
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a dynamically adjustable spring arrangement where the second spring can be positioned at different locations along the axial direction of the spindle. This dynamic positioning allows the valve to adapt to different pressure requirements by selectively engaging or disengaging the second spring, enabling the same valve to function across a wide differential pressure range from 5 to 75 kPa
2Device complexity
If a single differential pressure control valve is used to cover a wide pressure range, then the device complexity is reduced, but the adaptability to different pressure settings deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the spring arrangement into multiple discrete springs (first spring and second spring) with different characteristics. The first spring provides the base spring force for low pressure operation, while the second spring can be selectively engaged to provide additional spring force for high pressure operation. This segmentation allows the single valve to cover a wide pressure range by combining different spring segments
Solution Approach 2:
The patent positions the first and second springs along the same axial direction with nested or overlapping arrangements. The second spring can be positioned to encompass or be encompassed by the first spring, allowing compact integration of multiple spring elements within a single valve structure while maintaining the ability to selectively engage different spring combinations for different pressure settings
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 adjustable valve effectively maintains a constant differential pressure across a wide range, from 5 to 75 kPa, reducing the need for multiple valves and improving system efficiency by dynamically adjusting to different pressure requirements.
Implementation Method 1
a spring arrangement configured for providing a spring force acting on the throttle member in a direction that increases the through flow area of the exit openings
Implementation Method 2
a movable throttle member configured for regulating the through flow area of the exit openings in response to a difference in pressure across the throttle member
Data Source
AI summary
An adjustable differential pressure control valve has a first housing part with one or more fluid entry openings and one or more fluid exit openings. The valve is provided with a movable throttle member configured for regulating the through flow area of the exit openings in response to a difference in pressure across the throttle member, and a spring arrangement configured for providing a spring force acting on the throttle member in a direction that increases the through flow area of the exit openings. The spring arrangement comprises at least a first and a second spring, and the spring arrangement is adjustable to operate in a low pressure mode with the spring force acting on the throttle member being provided by the first spring only, and to operate in a high pressure mode with the spring force acting on the throttle member being provided by at least both the first and second springs.