Dual-Diaphragm Pressure Regulator for Ratio-Based Outlet Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional pressure regulators require physical adjustment to change outlet pressure, which is burdensome, especially in inaccessible locations or when multiple regulators are present, such as in water supply systems for poultry and animals.
Innovation Solution
A differential pressure regulator design using a primary and secondary diaphragm to control flow, where the outlet pressure is a predetermined fraction of the inlet pressure, allowing automatic adjustment in response to changes in inlet pressure, eliminating the need for physical access to adjust the regulator.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional pressure regulators use physical adjustment mechanisms, then outlet pressure can be controlled, but adjustment becomes burdensome in inaccessible locations or when multiple regulators are present
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure regulator automatically adjusts outlet pressure by sensing inlet pressure changes and responding through the diaphragm mechanism. The regulator serves itself by using the inlet pressure to actuate the valve, eliminating the need for external manual adjustment. This self-service capability directly resolves the technical contradiction by making the regulator automatically adaptable to pressure changes without requiring physical intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The regulator incorporates a feedback mechanism where the outlet pressure is sensed by the diaphragm, which then adjusts the valve position to maintain the predetermined pressure ratio. This automatic feedback loop allows the system to respond to pressure changes without manual intervention, improving ease of operation while reducing adjustment time.
2Productivity
If multiple pressure regulators are used in a system, then fluid distribution is improved, but the complexity of adjusting each regulator increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure regulator is designed with a universal characteristic where a single inlet pressure adjustment automatically sets the outlet pressure for multiple downstream regulators. This multi-functional design allows one regulator to effectively control pressure for an entire system, reducing the complexity associated with managing multiple individual regulators while maintaining productive fluid distribution.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges the adjustment function of multiple regulators into a single control point. By establishing a predetermined pressure ratio that propagates through the system, the design combines what would otherwise be multiple independent adjustment tasks into one unified control mechanism, thereby reducing device complexity while preserving productivity.
3Reliability
If traditional regulators require manual adjustment, then pressure control is achievable, but operational costs increase due to maintenance and adjustment requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The regulator maintains reliable pressure control through self-service operation, automatically responding to inlet pressure changes without requiring manual intervention or maintenance adjustments. This eliminates the operational costs associated with periodic manual adjustment while maintaining accurate pressure control through the inherent feedback mechanism of the diaphragm and valve assembly.
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
Simplifies the adjustment of outlet pressure, reduces operational burdens, and minimizes pressure inaccuracies, enabling efficient fluid delivery in systems like drip-feeding for poultry and other animals, while reducing operating costs by allowing multiple regulators to be adjusted from a single inlet source.
Implementation Method 1
the secondary diaphragm is subjected to the inlet pressure and thereby generates the force for actuating the valve's disengagement from the inlet body
Implementation Method 2
the inlet pressure applying a force acting on the valve to keep the valve open
Implementation Method 3
a primary diaphragm secured between the upper housing member and the lower housing member
Implementation Method 4
a passageway connecting the inlet body and the secondary diaphragm driving chamber, thereby providing a fluid communication between the inlet body and the secondary diaphragm driving chamber
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 1C
AI summary
A pressure regulator for controlling flow of a fluid therethrough is provided. An upper housing member and a primary diaphragm define an upper chamber and a lower housing member and the primary diaphragm define a lower chamber. The pressure regulator further includes: a valve assembly provided within the upper chamber for controlling the flow of the fluid from an inlet body into the upper chamber; a secondary diaphragm provided within the lower chamber and defining a secondary diaphragm driving chamber; and a passageway connecting the inlet body and the secondary diaphragm driving chamber. During operation, the secondary diaphragm driving chamber is filled with the fluid at the inlet pressure, thereby subjecting the secondary diaphragm to the inlet pressure and generating the force for actuating the valve's disengagement from the inlet body. The pressure regulator functions to maintain the outlet pressure at a value that is a predetermined fraction of the inlet pressure.