Dual-Piston Regulator Balance Structure for Easier Maintenance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional pressure regulators in industrial processing require disassembly of multiple parts for maintenance, which is cumbersome and inefficient, and lack a compact design suitable for large line sizes due to the need for heavy flanges and complex assembly.
Innovation Solution
A regulator design featuring a single-cast valve body with an actuator assembly that includes a sleeve, pistons, and a stem, allowing for axial insertion and alignment within the valve body, enabling easy access and maintenance through the inlet, and providing a compact dual-piston actuator for efficient pressure sensing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional valve body design with multiple parts and mounting flanges is used, then the regulator can maintain internal pressure, but the device complexity increases and maintenance becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple valve body parts into a single integrated valve body structure. The inlet end, outlet end, and internal flow path are formed as one unified component, eliminating the need for separate mounting flanges and multiple sealing interfaces. This integration maintains pressure containment while significantly reducing structural complexity and easing maintenance.
2Reliability
If a conventional valve body design requiring disassembly is used, then internal pressure can be maintained, but the ease of repair deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the regulator into two main parts: a fixed valve body and a removable actuator assembly. The actuator assembly containing movable internal components can be detached from the valve body through the inlet end, allowing easy access to internal parts for repair or replacement while the valve body itself remains intact and maintains pressure containment.
3Volume of moving object
If a compact actuator design is used, then the regulator is suitable for larger line sizes, but the pressure sensing efficiency may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a nested dual-piston actuator design where one piston is positioned inside the other, sharing a common stem. This nested arrangement maximizes the use of internal space, enabling compact regulator dimensions suitable for larger line sizes while maintaining effective pressure sensing capability through the dual-piston mechanism.
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 construction, manufacturing, and maintenance by allowing internal components to be removed and reinserted through the inlet, reducing manufacturing costs and enabling compact designs suitable for larger line sizes while maintaining effective pressure regulation.
Implementation Method 1
The first piston, the second piston, the first plate, and the second plate may collectively define a first chamber disposed between the first plate and the first piston, a second chamber disposed between the first piston and the second plate, a third chamber disposed between the second plate and the second piston, and a fourth chamber disposed opposite the second piston from the third chamber. The first chamber and the third chamber may be in fluid communication, and the second chamber and the fourth chamber may be in fluid communication via the passage of the stem.
Data Source
AI summary
A fluid regulator includes an actuator assembly disposed in a valve body. A sleeve includes a cylindrical wall, a first plate, and a second plate. Each of the first plate and the second plate is disposed in a cavity of the sleeve. A stem extends through the sleeve and is axially aligned with a longitudinal axis of the body, and includes a passage extending partially through the stem. The actuator assembly includes first and second pistons. First, second, third, and fourth chambers are separately disposed between the sleeve, the first or second plate, or the first or second piston. The first and third chambers are in fluid communication, and the second and fourth chambers are in fluid communication via the passage of the stem. The actuator assembly actuates a control element in response to a fluid pressure receivable in the first, second, third, and/or fourth chambers.