Cryogenic Cylinder Valve Modules for Low-Weld Flow Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cryogenic cylinder control systems are complex, requiring numerous weld points and components, which complicates installation, maintenance, and increases the risk of failure points.
Innovation Solution
A cryogenic cylinder control system that integrates a pressure relief and vent module, a manual valve module, a solenoid valve module, a build-up coil, and a controller to regulate fluid flow within the cryogenic cylinder, simplifying the system by reducing the number of weld points and components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a typical cryogenic cylinder control system includes multiple separate valves and components, then the system can perform pressure relief, pressure building, and economizer functions, but the system complexity increases and the number of weld points increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate valve components (pressure relief valve, build-up valve, economizer valve) into a single integrated valve assembly. This merging reduces the number of individual components and weld points while maintaining all necessary functions, thereby improving reliability by reducing failure points and simplifying the overall system architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated valve assembly performs multiple functions simultaneously - pressure relief, pressure building, and economizer operations - within a single component structure. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated valves for each function, reducing system complexity while maintaining comprehensive control capabilities.
2Ease of operation
If a typical cryogenic cylinder control system includes numerous weld points and components, then the system can achieve complete fluid control, but installation and maintenance become more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
By merging multiple valve functions into a single integrated assembly, the patent significantly reduces the number of installation steps and weld points required. The unified structure allows for simpler mounting and connection to the cryogenic cylinder, making installation more straightforward while maintaining full functional capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve assembly is designed as a modular, self-contained unit that can be installed as a single module. This segmentation of functions into a unified module simplifies installation and maintenance, as the entire assembly can be handled and replaced as one unit rather than multiple separate components.
3Reliability
If a typical cryogenic cylinder control system includes multiple separate components, then each component can be optimized for its specific function, but the risk of failure points increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple valve functions into a single welded assembly, reducing the number of external weld points and connection interfaces that could potentially fail. By combining functions within one sealed structure, the system minimizes leakage points and failure risks while maintaining all necessary control capabilities.
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 reduces installation complexity, improves reliability by minimizing failure points, and simplifies maintenance by allowing module swapping without cutting tubes or connectors.
Implementation Method 1
enables an operator to increase the gas pressure within the cryogenic cylinder by vaporizing some of the liquid in the cryogenic cylinder into gas via the build-up coil
Implementation Method 2
A typical solenoid valve is mounted to the valve body and includes an electromagnetic coil that is energizable to either open (in the case of a normally closed valve) or close (in the case of a normally open valve) the valve
Data Source
AI summary
Cryogenic solenoid valves are disclosed. A solenoid valve assembly includes a valve body that includes a valve seat. The solenoid valve assembly includes a cartridge mounted to the valve body, a plunger slidably received by the cartridge, and a seat disc holder slidably received by the cartridge. The solenoid valve assembly includes a retainer attached to the seat disc holder such that the retainer and the seat disc holder form a plunger head receiving cavity that houses a head of the plunger. The solenoid valve assembly includes a seat disc attached to the seat disc holder. The solenoid valve assembly includes an electromagnetic coil energizable to cause the solenoid valve assembly to move from a closed configuration in which the seat disc sealingly engages the valve seat and an open configuration in which the seat disc is disengaged from the valve seat.