Combination regulator valve
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Solution Overview
Problem
Cryogenic fluid valves face challenges in regulating pressure and preventing fluid leakage due to temperature variations and pressure fluctuations in storage tanks, requiring a solution that effectively manages fluid communication between multiple ports while maintaining a reliable seal.
Innovation Solution
A valve design incorporating a bonnet, body, flexible diaphragm, and spindle unit with multiple seat discs and springs, allowing for adjustable fluid communication between three ports based on pressure conditions, ensuring reliable sealing and independent control of fluid flow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single valve design is used for both pressure regulation and fluid dispensing, then device complexity is reduced, but the ability to independently control fluid flow and pressure is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The valve is divided into two independent functional units: a pressure regulation valve with a diaphragm and spring mechanism, and a dispensing valve with a spindle and seat disc. These segmented units work together within a single body, allowing independent control of pressure and fluid flow while maintaining a unified structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve body integrates multiple functions into a single device: pressure regulation through the diaphragm mechanism, fluid dispensing control through the spindle mechanism, and selective communication between ports. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate valves while maintaining full control capabilities.
2Measurement precision
If the diaphragm is made flexible to respond to pressure changes, then pressure regulation accuracy is improved, but sealing reliability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The diaphragm is designed with differentiated properties: the central portion is flexible to respond to pressure changes and enable accurate regulation, while the peripheral portion maintains sufficient rigidity to ensure reliable sealing against the valve body. This local quality differentiation resolves the contradiction between flexibility and sealing reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring mechanism acts as an intermediary between the flexible diaphragm and the rigid valve components. It translates the diaphragm's flexible movement into controlled mechanical action while maintaining stable force application, thereby preserving both the diaphragm's flexibility for pressure sensing and the overall system's reliability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple seat discs are used to control different ports, then fluid communication control is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple seat discs are merged into a single integrated spindle assembly. The spindle carries both the first seat disc (for pressure regulation) and the second seat disc (for dispensing control), allowing independent control of different port communications through one unified component rather than separate valves.
4Stress or pressure
If the valve is designed to respond to pressure fluctuations, then pressure regulation is improved, but sensitivity to temperature variations may increase
Solution Approach 1:
The spring-loaded diaphragm mechanism is designed to automatically compensate for pressure fluctuations caused by temperature variations. The spring force adjusts to maintain the diaphragm in its neutral position, allowing the valve to self-regulate pressure without being overly sensitive to temperature-induced pressure changes in the stored fluid.
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 valve effectively regulates fluid pressure and prevents leakage by adjusting diaphragm position in response to pressure changes, enabling precise control of fluid communication between ports and maintaining a tight seal, thus addressing the challenges of temperature variations and pressure fluctuations.
Implementation Method 1
The flexible diaphragm is compressed between the bonnet and the body. The first spring biases the diaphragm toward the first seat disc.
Implementation Method 2
The flexible diaphragm is compressed between the bonnet and the body
Implementation Method 3
The first spring is disposed in the bonnet. The first spring biases the diaphragm toward the first seat disc.
Implementation Method 4
The second spring is disposed in the body. The second spring biases the second seat disc toward the seat.
Implementation Method 5
The seat screw and the pin define a fluid passage in fluid communication with the first void. The second port is in fluid communication with the fluid passage and third port is in fluid communication with an undersurface of the diaphragm.
Data Source
AI summary
A combination regulator valve for conveying fluid is disclosed. The valve comprises a bonnet, a body, a flexible diaphragm, a first spring, and a spindle unit. The spindle unit comprises a pin, a first seat disc, and a seat screw. The bonnet is secured to the body. The flexible diaphragm is compressed between the bonnet and the body. The first spring is disposed in the bonnet. The spindle unit is disposed in the body. The first seat disc is disposed between the pin and the diaphragm. The first seat disc and the pin define a first void. The first spring biases the diaphragm toward the first seat disc. The seat screw is engaged with the body and is slidably engaged with the pin. The seat screw and the pin define a fluid passage in fluid communication with the first void.