Back Pressure Regulator Dynamic Paint Pressure Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional paint spray systems waste energy by maintaining high pressure and flow rates continuously, even when not in use, leading to inefficient operation and premature wear of components.

Innovation Solution

A back pressure regulator with a flexible membrane and compressed air control system that adjusts flow passage width to regulate paint pressure, allowing for remote operation and energy conservation by varying pressure based on usage needs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stress or pressure

If the pump operates at fixed high pressure and flow rate continuously, then the paint pressure is maintained for spraying, but energy is wasted when paint is not being used

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepaint pressureVSAvoidenergy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Stress or pressureVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making the pump's operating parameters variable rather than fixed. The pump controller dynamically adjusts the pump's speed and output pressure/flow rate based on real-time system conditions and actual paint usage requirements, allowing the system to operate efficiently at lower pressures during circulation mode and at full pressure only when spraying is active

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements parameter changes by modifying the pump's operational parameters (speed, pressure, flow rate) based on system needs. The controller changes these parameters dynamically - maintaining high pressure when spray guns are active and reducing pressure when only circulation is needed, thereby eliminating continuous energy waste while ensuring paint pressure is available on-demand

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Stress or pressure

If the pump operates at high speed and pressure for longer periods, then paint pressure is maintained, but component wear increases and maintenance frequency increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepaint pressureVSAvoidcomponent lifespan
Core Design Contradiction:
Stress or pressureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making the pump's operating parameters variable rather than fixed. The pump controller dynamically adjusts the pump's speed and output pressure/flow rate based on real-time system conditions and actual paint usage requirements, allowing the system to operate efficiently at lower pressures during circulation mode and at full pressure only when spraying is active

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements periodic action by switching between different operational modes (circulation mode vs. spraying mode) based on actual demand. Instead of continuous high-pressure operation, the system periodically activates high-pressure output only when spray guns are in use, reducing cumulative component stress and extending maintenance intervals

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

3Stress or pressure

If the BPR controls system pressure by adjusting flow rate, then pressure is maintained, but flow rate must be high continuously which wastes energy

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem pressureVSAvoidenergy waste
Core Design Contradiction:
Stress or pressureVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the traditional mechanical BPR flow-rate-adjustment mechanism with an electronic control system. Instead of using a mechanical spring-loaded valve to maintain pressure by continuously restricting flow, the system uses a pump controller with sensors to dynamically adjust pump output, eliminating the need for continuous mechanical flow restriction and the associated energy losses

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 system operates more efficiently, reducing energy consumption and extending the lifespan of components by adjusting pressure dynamically according to usage, ensuring paint is always at the required pressure without unnecessary energy expenditure.

Implementation Method 1

the pressurised fluid may be supplied to increase the pressure applied by the moveable surface of the BPR, thereby requiring the paint in the system to increase in pressure before flowing through the BPR

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFluid pressure: Pressure Increase

Implementation Method 2

a flow passage for paint, at least part of which is disposed between a fixed structure and a moveable surface which is moveable to vary the width of the flow passage so as to regulate a pressure of paint upstream of the regulator

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPressure differential: Pressure Gradient

Data Source

PatentUS9529370B2Back pressure regulator
Publication Date: 2016.12.27 FINISHING BRANDS UK
  • US9529370B2 patent drawing
  • US9529370B2 patent drawing
  • US9529370B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A paint circulating system back pressure regulator comprises a flow passage for paint, at least part of which is disposed between a fixed structure and a moveable surface which is moveable to vary the width of the flow passage so as to regulate a pressure of paint upstream of the regulator. The regulator is also provided with a chamber having an opening for communicating with a supply of a pressurised fluid for controlling operation of the regulator.