Integrated Gas Pressure Reducer With Axial Shut-Off Valve Layout

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing compressed gas pressure regulating devices are either bulky or have compromised shut-off functions, lacking a compact design with reliable and efficient flow and pressure selection capabilities.

Innovation Solution

A compact pressure regulating device with a shut-off valve and pressure reducer aligned on the longitudinal axis, featuring a mobile element biased by a main spring, an actuation assembly with a cam mechanism, and an adjustment system for efficient operation, allowing for easy integration of additional functions like pressure relief and flow selection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the pressure reducer is arranged laterally (perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis), then the shut-off function is provided, but the device becomes particularly bulky

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveshut-off functionVSAvoiddevice size
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent repositions the pressure reducer from a lateral arrangement (perpendicular to the longitudinal axis) to an axial arrangement (along the longitudinal axis). This dimensional repositioning allows the device to maintain the shut-off function while significantly reducing the overall device volume and achieving a more compact design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Ease of operation

If a threaded engagement with low pitch is used to convert rotation into translation for operating the shut-off valve, then the shutter is moved over a limited stroke, but the device requires very accurate machining and mounting

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveshutter stroke controlVSAvoidmachining and mounting accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the pitch parameter of the threaded engagement from a low pitch to a higher pitch. This parameter change allows the shutter to achieve the required stroke over a larger rotation angle, thereby reducing the sensitivity to machining and mounting inaccuracies while maintaining ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If the shutter is positioned downstream of the seat, then the shut-off function is achieved, but a minimum force must be exerted on the shutter requiring very accurate machining and mounting

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveshut-off functionVSAvoidmachining and mounting accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent positions the shut-off valve shutter upstream of the regulating valve seat, allowing the shut-off action to occur before the regulating function. This preliminary positioning of the shut-off function reduces the force requirements on the regulating mechanism and decreases the sensitivity to machining and mounting inaccuracies.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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 provides a compact, efficient, and reliable device that simplifies machining and assembly, enabling precise pressure regulation and shut-off functions with enhanced flow selection capabilities, while maintaining separate actuation of the shut-off valve and pressure reducer.

Implementation Method 1

a mobile element biased by a main spring and carrying a shutter cooperating with a seat in the gas passage

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSpring: Spring

Implementation Method 2

an actuation assembly of the shut-off valve... featuring a mobile element biased by a main spring, an actuation assembly with a cam mechanism

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCam mechanism: Cam

Data Source

PatentEP3864339B1Gas pressure reducer with integrated shut-off valve
Publication Date: 2022.05.11 ROTAREX SA
  • EP3864339B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3864339B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3864339B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

The invention is directed to a device (2) for regulating the pressure of a compressed gas, comprising a body (4) with a gas inlet (6), a gas outlet (8) and a gas passage (10); a mobile element (26) biased by a main spring (28) and carrying a shutter (30) cooperating with a seat (16.2) in the gas passage (10), said shutter and said seat forming a regulating valve, a shut-off valve (12) with a shutter (14) and a seat (16.1) in the gas passage (10) upstream of the regulating valve; an actuation assembly (46, 48, 50, 52) of the shut-off valve (12); wherein the shutter (14) of the shut-off valve (12) comprises a stem (14.3) extending through the mobile element (26) and the shutter (30) of said element, for cooperating with the actuation assembly (46, 48, 50, 52) located in front of said element.