Integrated Cryogenic Tank Regulator for Pressure Building and Line Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current cryogenic tank regulators require multiple devices, leading to a cluttered hardware footprint and increased costs due to the presence of separate pressure building, back pressure, and final line regulators, which complicates the safe handling of cryogenic gases.
Innovation Solution
A combination pressure regulator that integrates the pressure building and final line regulators into a single body with separate diaphragm and valve assemblies, reducing hardware complexity and cost by sharing fluid communication channels and ports.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple separate regulators are used for pressure building, back pressure control, and final line regulation, then each regulator can be optimized for its specific function, but the hardware footprint becomes cluttered and the overall system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines pressure building regulator, back pressure regulator, and final line regulator into a single integrated regulator body. The regulator body contains multiple diaphragm assemblies (first diaphragm for pressure building, second diaphragm for back pressure) and valve assemblies that work together within one unified structure, eliminating the need for multiple separate regulator devices while maintaining all necessary pressure control functions
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated regulator body serves multiple functions simultaneously: it performs pressure building through the first diaphragm assembly, back pressure control through the second diaphragm assembly, and final line pressure regulation through the outlet valve assembly. This multi-functional design allows a single device to replace what would traditionally require three separate regulators
2Ease of repair
If multiple separate regulators are used, then each regulator can be independently adjusted and maintained, but the hardware cost and installation space increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple regulator functions into a single compact regulator body that mounts to the cylinder in one location. The combined design consolidates what would be multiple separate hardware pieces into one unified assembly, reducing the overall space required on the cylinder top while maintaining all necessary control functions
3Reliability
If three separate regulators are used, then comprehensive pressure control is achieved, but the overall system cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines three separate regulator functions into a single integrated device, eliminating the need to manufacture, inventory, and install three separate regulator assemblies. The unified regulator body with its multiple diaphragm and valve assemblies represents a consolidation that reduces overall system component count and associated costs
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple regulators are installed, then all pressure control functions are available, but the cylinder top becomes cluttered with hardware
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates pressure building, back pressure control, and final line regulation into a single regulator body that occupies one location on the cylinder. This consolidation maintains all necessary pressure control versatility while eliminating the clutter of multiple separate regulator devices that would otherwise be distributed across the cylinder top
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 integrated regulator reduces hardware clutter and costs while maintaining safe pressure control for cryogenic gases, enhancing operational efficiency and safety by consolidating functions within a single device.
Implementation Method 1
a first diaphragm, a first valve assembly movable by the first diaphragm, and a first biasing member that applies a first bias force to the first diaphragm to establish a first pressure regulator setting
Implementation Method 2
a second diaphragm, a second valve assembly movable by the second diaphragm, and a second biasing member that applies a second bias force to the second diaphragm to establish a second pressure regulator setting
Implementation Method 3
An input portion of the first pressure regulator is in fluid communication with the inlet port. An output portion of the second pressure regulator is in fluid communication with the outlet port. Both of an output portion of the first pressure regulator and an input portion of the second pressure regulator are in fluid communication with the combined inlet and outlet port
Data Source
AI summary
A combination pressure regulator includes a regulator body having an inlet port, an outlet port, and a combined inlet and outlet port. A first pressure regulator includes a first diaphragm, a first valve assembly, and a first biasing member that applies a first bias force to the first diaphragm to establish a first pressure regulator setting. A second pressure regulator includes a second diaphragm, a second valve assembly, and a second biasing member that applies a second bias force to the second diaphragm to establish a second pressure regulator setting. An input portion of the first pressure regulator is in fluid communication with the inlet port. An output portion of the second pressure regulator is in fluid communication with the outlet port. An output portion of the first pressure regulator and an input portion of the second pressure regulator are in fluid communication with the combined inlet and outlet port.