Dual-Path Fuel Pressure Regulator for Wide Output Pressure Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fuel pressure regulators for gaseous energy carriers like natural gas and hydrogen are bulky, complex, and lack flexibility in adjusting output pressure, with high power requirements and limited control accuracy.
Innovation Solution
A compact and simple pressure regulator design featuring two flow paths with different cross-sections, controlled by a closure unit that switches between modes based on pressure conditions, allowing for variable output pressure adjustment with low power consumption and high internal tightness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single-stage mechanical pressure regulator is used, then the structure is simple, but the output pressure fluctuates and cannot be adjusted during operation
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure regulator transitions from a static mechanical design to a dynamic electromechanical system where the closure unit can be actively controlled during operation. The magnetic coil enables real-time adjustment of the closure unit position, allowing output pressure to be varied within wide limits based on operating conditions.
2Measurement precision
If a two-stage mechanical pressure regulator is used, then the output pressure can be set unchangeably, but the device becomes bulky and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces one of the mechanical pressure-reducing units with an electromechanical closure unit controlled by a magnetic coil. This substitution reduces mechanical complexity and device bulkiness while maintaining precise pressure control capability through electromagnetic actuation and electronic control.
3Adaptability or versatility
If an electromechanical single-stage pressure regulator with magnetic coil is used, then the working pressure can be adjusted, but only within a narrow range and with high power requirement
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure regulation function is segmented into two distinct flow paths: a first flow path for high-pressure area operation and a second flow path for low-pressure area operation. This segmentation allows the system to operate efficiently across a wide pressure range by selecting the appropriate path, reducing the power required by the magnetic coil while expanding the adjustable pressure range.
4Measurement precision
If a two-stage electromechanical pressure regulator is used, then the pressure control is improved, but the component count increases resulting in bulky and complex design
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functions of mechanical pressure reduction and electromagnetic control into a single integrated closure unit. Instead of using separate two-stage mechanical regulators or multiple electromagnetic components, the design combines these functions in one unit, reducing component count while maintaining improved pressure control accuracy.
5Ease of manufacture
If conventional pressure regulators are used, then basic pressure reduction is achieved, but internal tightness is insufficient requiring system shut-off valves
Solution Approach 1:
The closure unit is designed with a large pressure area that increases the force exerted by the tank pressure on the closure unit. This parameter change in the pressure area, combined with the return spring configuration, creates high internal tightness that eliminates the need for additional system shut-off valves, improving reliability while maintaining system simplicity.
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 solution provides a compact, adaptable, and fail-safe pressure regulation with high control accuracy, enabling wide variability in output pressure and low manufacturing costs, suitable for various gases.
Implementation Method 1
supported by a magnetic coil, with the working pressure being reduced during operation only within one can be adjusted by the magnetic force
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 2.1
AI summary
The invention relates to a fuel-supplying system and a pressure regulator for a fuel-supplying system for feeding a fuel from a store to a consumer, and to a method for regulating pressure. The fuel-supplying system for a motor vehicle comprises a storage container that is emptied by a pressure regulator of a regulating unit during the withdrawal. Multiple flow paths lie between a high-pressure chamber of the pressure regulator at the inlet side thereof and a low-pressure chamber of the pressure regulator at the outlet side thereof, said paths being opened and closed, and a pressure drop from the store pressure of the store container to the operating pressure of the consumer occurs during the flow through said paths.