Disc Spring Pressure Reducer for Compact Diaphragm Support

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing pressure reducers require significant installation space due to the strength of conventional compression springs, compromising the overall design and efficiency.

Innovation Solution

A pressure reducer design incorporating a disc spring that supports the diaphragm and imparts forces on the piston rod, allowing for a compact and stable structure with reduced installation space.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If a conventional compression spring is used to provide the necessary force for pressure reduction, then the strength and reliability are maintained, but the installation space and overall length of the pressure reducer increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespring strengthVSAvoidpressure reducer length
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the geometric parameters and configuration of the spring from a conventional compression spring to a disc spring with specific dimensions (outer diameter, inner diameter, thickness, and curvature radius). This parameter change allows the spring to provide the same force while occupying less axial space, directly resolving the contradiction between strength and length.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The invention transitions from a one-dimensional compression spring (compressing along its length) to a two-dimensional disc spring (compressing radially with curvature). This dimensional change enables the spring to store and release energy in a compact form, reducing the axial length requirement while maintaining the necessary force output.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Reliability

If a strong compression spring is used to ensure adequate force for pressure regulation, then the pressure reduction function is reliable, but the installation space required increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepressure regulation reliabilityVSAvoidinstallation space
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent modifies the spring parameters by adopting a disc spring configuration with optimized curvature radius, thickness, and diameter ratios. These parameter changes enable the spring to achieve the same reliability in pressure regulation while reducing the installation area from what would be required by a conventional compression spring of equivalent strength.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The disc spring is pre-curved during manufacturing to store elastic energy in advance. This preliminary action allows the spring to immediately provide the necessary force when installed, ensuring reliable pressure regulation from the start without requiring a large installation space for gradual compression.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Length of stationary object

If a compact spring design is implemented to reduce installation space, then the pressure reducer becomes more compact, but the stability of components may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepressure reducer lengthVSAvoidcomponent stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Length of stationary objectVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent carefully selects and optimizes the disc spring parameters (outer diameter, inner diameter, thickness, and curvature radius) to ensure that the compact design maintains adequate stability. The curvature radius is specifically chosen to be within a range that provides both compactness and sufficient stability for supporting the diaphragm and guiding the piston rod.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The disc spring is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: providing force for pressure reduction, supporting the diaphragm, and guiding the piston rod motion. This multi-functionality ensures that the compact spring design does not compromise component stability, as the spring's geometry is optimized to fulfill all these roles effectively.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Area of stationary object

If a disc spring is used instead of a compression spring to reduce installation space, then the compactness is improved, but the manufacturing complexity may increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation spaceVSAvoidspring manufacturing ease
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent specifies particular parameter ranges for the disc spring (curvature radius, thickness, diameter ratios) that balance compactness with manufacturability. These parameter changes are chosen to be within standard manufacturing capabilities, allowing the disc spring to be produced using conventional forming and cutting processes without excessive complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 disc spring provides strength comparable to conventional compression springs while requiring less space, enhancing stability and efficiency, and facilitating easy manufacturing.

Implementation Method 1

a disc spring (131) in the pressure reducer chamber (120). The disc spring (131) is coupled with the piston rod (121) and operatively supports a diaphragm (128)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP4533204B1Pressure reducer
Publication Date: 2026.03.11 HUSQVARNA AB
  • EP4533204B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4533204B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4533204B1 patent drawingFigure 3A~3B

AI summary

A pressure reducer (100) for reducing a fluid pressure includes a pressure reducer body (110) defining at least one pressure reducer chamber (120). The pressure reducer chamber (120) includes an inlet section (122) and an outlet section (124) fluidly coupled with the inlet section (122) such that the inlet section (122) and the outlet section (123) allow inlet and outlet of the fluid respectively. The pressure reducer chamber (120) further includes a disc spring (131) defining an inner diameter (D1) and an outer diameter (D2). A piston rod (121) is coupled with the disc spring (131) and a diaphragm (128) is operatively coupled with the piston rod (121). The pressure reducer (100) is characterized in that the disc spring (131) operatively supports the diaphragm (128).