Axial Regulator Structure With Removable Inlet Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional axial regulators in industrial processing plants require complex disassembly for maintenance and repair, involving multiple mounting flanges and bolts, which complicates access to internal components and increases manufacturing and maintenance costs.
Innovation Solution
A single-cast axial regulator design with a removable inlet fitting allows internal components to be inserted and removed through the inlet or outlet, simplifying assembly, maintenance, and enabling compact, cost-effective manufacturing by eliminating the need for large flanges and heavy valve bodies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If conventional multi-part valve body design with mounting flanges and bolts is used, then structural strength and pressure containment are improved, but device complexity and ease of repair deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple valve body parts into a single-cast integrated valve body structure. The inlet fitting is directly cast as an integral part of the valve body, eliminating the need for separate mounting flanges, bolts, and multiple assembly steps. This reduces device complexity while maintaining pressure containment through the monolithic structure.
2Strength
If conventional multi-part valve body design is used, then structural strength is improved, but ease of repair deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the valve body into two functional parts: a permanent single-cast pressure-containing body and a removable inlet fitting. The inlet fitting can be detached to provide access to internal components for repair and maintenance, while the main valve body remains as a robust integrated structure for pressure containment.
3Ease of manufacture
If single-cast valve body design is used, then ease of manufacture and device complexity are improved, but structural strength may worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The single-cast design merges the valve body and inlet fitting into one integrated component manufactured in a single casting process. This eliminates subsequent welding, bolting, or sealing operations, reducing manufacturing complexity and potential leakage points while maintaining structural integrity through the homogeneous monolithic structure.
Data Source
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AI summary
A fluid regulator (10) includes an actuator assembly (22) disposed in a valve body (14). A sleeve (50)includes a cylindrical wall, a first plate (70), and a second plate (72). Each of the first plate (70) and the second plate (72) is disposed in a cavity (75)of the sleeve (50). A stem (54) extends through the sleeve (50) and is axially aligned with a longitudinal axis of the body (14), and includes a passage (82) extending partially through the stem (54). The actuator assembly (22) includes first piston (60) and second piston (62). First, second, third, and fourth chambers (88,90,92,94) are separately disposed between the sleeve (50), the first or second plate (70,72), or the first or second piston (60,62). The first and third chambers (88,92) are in fluid communication, and the second and fourth chambers (90,94) are in fluid communication via the passage (82) of the stem (54). The actuator assembly (22) actuates a control element (38) in response to a fluid pressure receivable in the first, second, third, and/or fourth chambers (88,90,92,94).