Air Spring Pressure Valve With Dynamic Setpoint Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Pressure regulating valves in industrial and residential systems face challenges in maintaining precise fluid pressure across varying demands and system conditions, as existing technologies struggle to efficiently adjust pressure setpoints in response to changes in demand and system integrity.
Innovation Solution
A pressure regulating valve system that includes a pressure chamber, a compressor, a vent valve, and a controller, which adjusts the pressure in the chamber to alter the flow area, allowing for precise control of fluid pressure by increasing or decreasing the pressure in the chamber, thereby managing the fluid pressure in the circuit based on setpoints.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a pressure regulating valve uses a fixed pressure setpoint mechanism, then the valve structure remains simple, but the valve cannot adapt to varying demand and system conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic pressure setpoint adjustment mechanism where the controller continuously modifies the pressure setpoint based on real-time demand signals and system conditions. The pressure chamber pressure is dynamically adjusted by controlling fluid inflow and outflow, allowing the valve to adapt to varying operational requirements rather than relying on fixed mechanical settings.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where the controller receives information about actual pressure conditions and demand variations, then adjusts the pressure setpoint accordingly. This closed-loop control enables the valve to maintain optimal performance by continuously comparing actual pressure with target pressure and making corrective adjustments to the setpoint.
2Speed
If the pressure regulating valve rapidly adjusts pressure in response to demand changes, then the response speed improves, but pressure transients and system instability increase
Solution Approach 1:
The controller implements periodic or incremental adjustments to the pressure setpoint rather than instantaneous changes. By adjusting the pressure chamber pressure in controlled steps through regulated fluid flow, the system achieves responsive pressure management while avoiding abrupt transitions that could cause pressure transients or oscillations.
Solution Approach 2:
The pressure chamber acts as a cushioning element that absorbs and smooths pressure variations. By pre-adjusting the pressure setpoint in anticipation of demand changes and using the compressible fluid in the pressure chamber as a buffer, the system reduces the impact of rapid adjustments and prevents harmful pressure transients.
3Measurement precision
If the pressure regulating valve maintains high pressure precision, then the fluid pressure control accuracy improves, but the complexity of pressure control mechanisms increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical pressure regulation mechanisms with a controller-based system that uses fluid flow control to adjust pressure. Instead of relying on precision mechanical components like adjustable springs or cam mechanisms, the system uses a controller to regulate fluid inflow and outflow from the pressure chamber, achieving high pressure precision through controlled fluid dynamics rather than mechanical complexity.
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
This solution enables the pressure regulating valve to maintain fluid pressure within a predetermined range, matching demand fluctuations and ensuring system integrity by dynamically adjusting the pressure setpoints, thus optimizing fluid supply and reducing pressure transients.
Implementation Method 1
the controller is configured to increase the pressure in the pressure chamber by at least controlling the compressor to increase pressure in the pressure chamber
Implementation Method 2
the controller is configured to decrease the pressure in the pressure chamber by at least controlling the vent valve to decrease pressure in the pressure chamber
Data Source
AI summary
In some examples, a pressure regulating valve comprising a pressure chamber, a compressor configured to establish fluid communication with the pressure chamber, a vent valve configured to establish fluid communication with the pressure chamber, a pressure sensor, and a controller. The controller may determine a pressure based on the signal generated by the pressure sensor, and compare a pressure setpoint and the pressure. The controller may be configured to alter the pressure in the pressure chamber based on the comparison between the pressure setpoint and the pressure. For example, the controller may control the compressor to increase the pressure in the pressure chamber and/or control the vent vale to decrease the pressure in the pressure chamber. The altered pressure of the pressure chamber may generate movement of a restricting element within the pressure regulating valve.