Cylinder Valve Pilot Regulator Torque Reduction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional cylinder valves with integrated pressure regulators require high torque and energy to adjust outlet pressure, especially at high pressures, making them cumbersome for manual operation and potentially power-intensive for electric motor operation.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating a pilot regulator within the valve housing to reduce the torque required for adjusting outlet pressure, using a positive seat valve element and a balancing biasing element to minimize the size and force needed for adjustment, and optionally integrating a control system for motor operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a conventional pressure regulator is used to reduce outlet pressure, then the outlet pressure can be controlled, but the torque required for adjustment becomes excessively high especially at high pressures

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetorque required for pressure adjustmentVSAvoidadjustment torque

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The pressure regulation function is divided into two independent stages: a high-pressure regulator that reduces cylinder pressure to an intermediate level, and a low-pressure regulator that further reduces it to the final outlet pressure. This segmentation allows each regulator to operate within optimal torque ranges, eliminating the need for a single high-torque regulator.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The low-pressure regulator is positioned within the housing of the high-pressure regulator, creating a nested configuration. The low-pressure regulator operates on the downstream side of the high-pressure regulator, allowing both regulation stages to be integrated in a compact arrangement while maintaining independent adjustment mechanisms with reduced torque requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Extent of automation

If the regulator is operated using an electric motor controlled by on-board power supply, then automated pressure control is achieved, but the energy requirement becomes prohibitive

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectric motor controlVSAvoidon-board power supply capacity

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The pressure regulation is segmented into two stages with two independent regulators, each requiring minimal torque for adjustment. This segmentation reduces the total energy requirement for electric motor operation, as each motor operates at lower power levels compared to a single high-torque motor.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the conventional single high-torque mechanical adjustment system with a dual-stage regulation system that can be operated by low-torque electric motors. This substitution enables automated control while significantly reducing the power capacity required from on-board power supplies.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Device complexity

If a single-stage pressure regulator is used, then the device structure is simple, but the adjustment torque becomes demanding for users

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveregulator structureVSAvoidmanual adjustment effort

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The pressure regulation function is segmented into two independent regulator stages, each with its own adjustment mechanism. This segmentation reduces the torque required at each stage, making manual operation easier while maintaining a relatively simple integrated structure within a single housing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The low-pressure regulator is nested within the high-pressure regulator housing, creating an integrated dual-stage device. This nesting arrangement maintains structural simplicity and compactness while enabling easier manual operation through reduced torque requirements at each regulation stage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

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

Significantly reduces the effort required for manual adjustment and the power demand for electronic actuation, allowing for easier operation and more efficient use of on-board power supplies.

Implementation Method 1

Incorporating a pilot regulator within the valve housing to reduce the torque required for adjusting outlet pressure

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressure regulation:

Implementation Method 2

using a positive seat valve element and a balancing biasing element to minimize the size and force needed for adjustment

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectValve sealing:

Data Source

PatentEP3278007B1A cylinder valve with integrated pressure regulator

Publication Date: 2021.04.28 LINDE AG

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AI summary

A cylinder valve with integrated pressure regulator. The valve comprises a housing containing a shut off valve, to control the flow of gas from the valve, a regulator, to reduce the pressure of the gas from the cylinder, and a pilot regulator. The pilot regulator is controllable via an actuator to set the pressure at which the regulator delivers gas to the outlet valve.