Cap-Shaped Movable Chamber Pressure Reducer for Compact Shut-Off
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for regulating the pressure and flow of compressed gas lack a compact and cost-effective design that can maintain a shut-off position and be easily released for reuse.
Innovation Solution
A device with a body comprising a gas inlet, outlet, and a movable second portion that houses a piston and a resilient unit, allowing for a shut-off position where the piston is urged against a seat, and an open position where the piston controls the flow and pressure, utilizing Belleville washers and a spring for regulation, with interlocking elements for compactness and ease of operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a pressure reducer is designed with a single shut-off device that fulfills both shut-off valve and regulation functions, then device functionality is improved, but the release mechanism becomes sophisticated and space-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the shut-off valve function and regulation function into a single integrated mechanism. The movable second portion of the body simultaneously controls both the shut-off state (by urging the piston against the seat) and the regulation state (by allowing the piston to move and control flow), eliminating the need for separate sophisticated release mechanisms while maintaining dual functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The second portion of the body is designed as a multi-functional component that serves multiple purposes: it houses the piston, delimits the low-pressure chamber, acts as a shut-off mechanism when in the shut-off position, and enables flow regulation when in the open position. This universal design simplifies the overall device structure while maintaining versatile functionality.
2Reliability
If a pressure reducer uses a sophisticated release arrangement to maintain shut-off position, then shut-off reliability is improved, but device compactness deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the shut-off mechanism with the regulation mechanism into a single integrated system. The movable second portion of the body performs both shut-off and regulation functions, eliminating the need for separate sophisticated release arrangements and thereby maintaining compact device dimensions while ensuring reliable shut-off operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The body is divided into a first portion (with seat and inlet) and a movable second portion (housing the piston and outlet). This segmentation allows the second portion to independently perform shut-off and regulation functions through its movement, achieving reliable shut-off control without requiring additional space-consuming mechanisms.
3Ease of manufacture
If a pressure reducer design prioritizes compactness and cost-effectiveness, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but the ability to maintain shut-off position and enable release deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions (shut-off valve, regulator, and release mechanism) into a single integrated movable second portion of the body. This simplification reduces the number of components and manufacturing steps, lowering production costs while maintaining the ability to reliably maintain shut-off position and enable easy release through the movable portion's simple linear movement.
Solution Approach 2:
The second portion of the body is designed as a universal component that performs shut-off, regulation, and release functions simultaneously. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated mechanisms for each function, reducing manufacturing complexity and cost while ensuring ease of operation for maintaining shut-off position and releasing the device.
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 device provides a simple, compact, and cost-effective solution for regulating gas pressure and flow while serving as a shut-off valve, maintaining gas tightness and allowing for easy release and reuse.
Implementation Method 1
a resilient unit which is configured to be under compression between said second portion of the body and the piston when said second portion is in the shut-off position
Implementation Method 2
a spring, interposed between the first portion of the body and the piston in order to exert a resilient force on the piston tending to open the shut-off device
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
The invention is directed to a device (2) for regulating the pressure and/or flow of pressurized gas, comprising a body (4) with a gas inlet (6), a gas outlet (8) and a gas passage (10, 26) connecting the outlet (8) with the inlet (6), a gas shut-off device comprising a seat (22) in the passage (10) and a movable closure element (24) cooperating with said seat (22) and a piston (12) carrying the closure element (24) and delimiting with the body (4) a low pressure chamber (28) downstream of the shut-off device (22, 24). The body (4) comprises a first portion (41) with the seat (22) and the inlet (6) and a second portion (42) housing the piston (12) and delimiting the low pressure chamber (28). The second portion (42) is movable relative to the first portion (41) between a closed position, and an open position.