Elastomeric Sleeve Pressure Regulator for Constant Flow
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Solution Overview
Problem
Pressure regulator valves fail to maintain a constant flow rate under varying pressure conditions, as existing designs do not effectively manage changes in pressure, leading to fluctuations in fluid flow.
Innovation Solution
A pressure regulating valve comprising an elongated cage with inwardly and outwardly curved wall sections forming pockets and ridges, and an elastomeric sleeve that conically fits within the cage, where increased pressure causes the sleeve to flex outward, reducing the flow channel size and maintaining a constant flow rate.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the flow channel cross-sectional area is increased to allow higher flow rates, then productivity improves, but the flow rate becomes unstable under varying pressure conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The flow channel cross-sectional area is made dynamic rather than static. The elastomeric sleeve can deform elastically in response to pressure changes, automatically adjusting the flow channel area to maintain stable flow rate. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction between achieving high flow rates and maintaining flow stability under varying pressure conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The physical state of the elastomeric sleeve changes in response to pressure variations. As inlet pressure increases, the sleeve deforms to reduce the flow channel area, and vice versa. This parameter change in the elastomeric material allows the system to maintain constant flow rate despite pressure fluctuations, resolving the stability issue while preserving productivity.
2Reliability
If a rigid flow channel structure is used to maintain stable flow, then reliability improves, but adaptability to pressure changes deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The flow channel incorporates an elastomeric sleeve that provides flexibility rather than rigidity. This flexible structure can adapt its shape in response to pressure changes while still maintaining flow stability through controlled deformation. The elastomeric material's ability to flex and recover allows the system to simultaneously achieve reliability and adaptability to varying pressure conditions.
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 design ensures a consistent flow rate by adjusting the cross-sectional area of the flow channel in response to pressure changes, effectively regulating flow despite varying inlet pressures.
Implementation Method 1
an elastomeric sleeve received within the elongated cage... increased pressure causes the sleeve to flex outward, reducing the flow channel size
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
A flow valve that maintains a constant flow valve despite varying pressures at its inlet, comprising: (a) an elongated cage with alternating axially-extending pockets and ridges on its inner surface; and (b) an elongated generally conical shaped elastomeric sleeve received within the elongated cage; wherein the sleeve flexes outwardly at higher pressures, thereby decreasing the size of the flow channel between the sleeve and cage, thereby restricting flow to maintain constant flow valve despite varying inlet pressures.