Dual-Spring Pressure Regulator for Gas Conversion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pressure regulators for combustible gases struggle to maintain constant delivery pressure across varying supply pressures and flow rates, particularly when switching between natural gas and liquid gas, requiring separate calibration configurations and interventions.
Innovation Solution
A pressure-regulating device with a valve unit, diaphragm, and coaxial spring systems that can be selectively configured to apply different resilient loads, using a handle-form operating mechanism to adjust delivery pressure between minimum and maximum values, allowing conversion between natural gas and liquid gas configurations without additional regulating interventions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If separate calibration configurations are provided for natural gas and liquid gas, then the regulator can be accurately calibrated for each gas type, but the device complexity increases and requires additional converting means
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple calibration configurations into a single regulator body by integrating separate springing systems (first and second springing systems) that can be selectively activated. The converting means integrates multiple functions: it selectively activates different springing systems, adjusts diaphragm positioning, and configures the regulator for different gas types all through a single mechanism, thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining calibration accuracy for both natural gas and liquid gas
Solution Approach 2:
The converting means is designed as a universal mechanism that performs multiple functions: it selectively activates different springing systems, adjusts the diaphragm position, and configures the regulator for different gas types. This multi-functional approach eliminates the need for separate converting mechanisms for each calibration change, reducing structural complexity while maintaining the ability to achieve accurate calibration for both natural gas and liquid gas configurations
2Adaptability or versatility
If the regulator is designed to handle varying flow rates with different power requirements, then it can adapt to different equipment needs, but separate pre-setting interventions are required for each functioning condition
Solution Approach 1:
The regulator employs dynamic springing systems that can be selectively activated based on the required flow rate and power requirements. The converting means enables the regulator to dynamically switch between different springing system configurations, allowing the device to adapt to varying equipment needs without requiring manual re-intervention for each flow rate condition
Solution Approach 2:
The converting means is pre-configured with the knowledge of different gas types and their corresponding calibration requirements. When converting between gas types, the mechanism automatically performs the necessary adjustments to springing system activation and diaphragm positioning in advance, eliminating the need for operators to perform separate pre-setting interventions for each functioning condition
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 device ensures consistent delivery pressure across varying conditions by pre-setting resilient loads during calibration, allowing seamless switching between gas types without requiring further adjustments during operation, thus simplifying the regulation of combustible gas delivery pressure.
Implementation Method 1
a first resilient actuator means which can be regulated and which can act on the diaphragm in order to subject it to a preselected resilient load. A first means for regulating the resilient load is exerted on the diaphragm by the first resilient means. A second resilient means which can be regulated and activated selectively to exert an additional resilient load on the diaphragm
Implementation Method 2
a valve unit having at least one valve seat and a respective closure element which is controlled by a diaphragm. The closure element is associated with the seat and is displaceable along a predetermined axis (X) during the movement of opening/closing the seat
Data Source
AI summary
A device for regulating the delivery pressure of gases includes a valve unit having at least one valve seat and a respective closure element displaceable along an axis with respect to the valve seat which is controlled by a diaphragm. The device further includes a first spring which acts on the diaphragm in order to subject it to a preselected resilient load. A second spring is selectively activated to exert an additional resilient load on the diaphragm. The device includes a handle associated with the first and second springs in order to impose selectively the desired delivery pressure value, between a minimum value and a maximum value of pre-calibration, the pressure value being proportionally correlated with a predetermined resilient load exerted on the diaphragm.