Coplanar Manifold Direct Valve Stem Venting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Industrial process fluid pressure transmitters are prone to leaks due to interfaces contacting process fluid and the ambient environment, leading to increased maintenance needs and costs.
Innovation Solution
A coplanar manifold design with a direct valve stem engagement mechanism that vents process fluid, eliminating the need for a valve seat and reducing leak potential by integrating vent passageways and holes directly into the manifold, ensuring precise venting orientation and reducing manufacturing costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional valve seat assembly is used for venting, then the venting function is provided, but the number of interfaces increases leading to higher leak potential
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the valve stem directly with the manifold body, eliminating the separate valve seat assembly. The valve stem is formed as an integral part of the manifold, removing the interface between the valve seat and manifold that previously created leak potential. This consolidation reduces the number of interfaces while maintaining the venting function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and eliminates the valve seat component from the assembly. By removing the valve seat entirely and integrating its function directly into the manifold through the valve stem, the design reduces the number of parts and interfaces, thereby reducing leak potential while preserving venting capability.
2Ease of manufacture
If multiple components are used for venting (valve seat, valve stem, plug), then the venting function is achieved, but manufacturing costs and assembly complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple components (valve seat, valve stem, and plug functions) into a single integrated valve stem structure that is formed as part of the manifold. This consolidation reduces the number of components that need to be manufactured and assembled, thereby reducing manufacturing costs and simplifying production.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated valve stem performs multiple functions: it provides the vent passage, acts as the closing element, and integrates with the manifold structure. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate components, reducing both manufacturing complexity and cost.
3Manufacturing precision
If a plug is used to provide venting capability, then venting is achieved, but the orientation is non-deterministic and leak potential increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the vent passage directly into the manifold body through the integrated valve stem structure. The vent hole is formed as a deterministic feature of the manifold geometry, ensuring precise and consistent orientation. This eliminates the non-deterministic orientation problem associated with separate plugs.
Data Source
AI summary
A process fluid pressure measurement system includes a process fluid pressure transmitter coupled to a coplanar manifold. The coplanar manifold includes a first bore coupleable to a source of process fluid, and a vent passageway connected to the first bore and terminating in a vent hole. The coplanar manifold includes at least one port configured to receive a valve stem. Directly engaging the valve stem with the coplanar manifold selectively vents the coplanar manifold. Aspects of the present invention also include a coplanar manifold for coupling fluid to a process fluid pressure transmitter, and a method of venting such a coplanar manifold.