First Stage Pressure Regulator Threshold Actuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pressure control devices for scuba diving struggle to maintain a constant intermediate pressure up to a certain depth, leading to issues in closed-circuit systems like rebreathers, where a constant oxygen supply is required.
Innovation Solution
A first reducing stage for two-stage dispensing units is designed with a pressure reducing valve and a sensor member exposed to external pressure, featuring a transmission mechanism that decouples the force transfer from the external environment to the shutter valve, allowing for constant intermediate pressure up to a certain depth and proportional increase with depth.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional membrane or piston system is used to compensate for ambient pressure, then the device can respond to depth variations, but it cannot maintain a constant intermediate pressure up to a predetermined depth
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor member is divided into a first element exposed to ambient pressure and a second element coupled to the shutter, with a suspension mechanism between them. This segmentation allows the first element to sense depth while the suspension mechanism controls when force is transmitted to the shutter, enabling constant pressure up to a threshold depth and then proportional increase thereafter.
Solution Approach 2:
The suspension mechanism between the first and second elements transitions from a suspended state (absorbing ambient pressure variations) to an engaged state (transmitting force to the shutter). This dynamic behavior allows the system to adapt its response based on the depth threshold, maintaining constant pressure initially and then responding proportionally to further depth increases.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the shutter is directly connected to the membrane or piston, then the force from ambient pressure is directly transferred, but the intermediate pressure varies with depth instead of remaining constant
Solution Approach 1:
The suspension mechanism acts as an intermediary between the ambient pressure-sensing first element and the shutter. It selectively engages or disengages the force transmission path, allowing the system to block ambient pressure variations when constant pressure is needed and transmit them when proportional response is desired, based on the depth threshold.
Solution Approach 2:
The suspension mechanism changes its mechanical state (suspended vs. engaged) based on the ambient pressure level, which alters the force transmission parameter. Below the threshold depth, the suspension absorbs variations; above the threshold, it transmits force proportionally, changing the system's effective stiffness and control characteristics.
3Reliability
If a transmission mechanism is introduced to decouple the sensor from the shutter, then constant pressure can be maintained, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The suspension mechanism serves multiple functions: it acts as a depth threshold sensor, a force amplifier, and a control element for the shutter. By making this single mechanism multi-functional, the patent avoids adding separate components for each function, thereby limiting the increase in overall device complexity while achieving constant pressure control.
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 ensures a constant intermediate pressure up to a predetermined depth, enabling efficient oxygen supply in closed-circuit systems, and then adjusts pressure proportionally with depth, maintaining reliable gas delivery.
Implementation Method 1
The elastic preload is exerted by a spring, whose compression is adjustable by a metal nut
Implementation Method 2
the pressure of the external environment and the elastic preload cause an inflection of the membrane itself in the direction of opening of the dispensing valve upon inspiration
Implementation Method 3
A rod is connected with an elastically deformable membrane, which membrane is in contact with water and consequently exposed to the pressure of the external environment
Implementation Method 4
a pressure reducing valve which connects said first chamber and said second chamber together and which valve comprises a valve seat with a communication opening between said first and said second chamber and a shutter cooperating with the said valve seat
Data Source
AI summary
A first reducing stage of two-stage regulators includes a first chamber that receives a high pressure breathable gas, a second chamber for the breathable gas at an intermediate pressure, and a pressure reducing valve that connects the first and the second chamber. The valve includes a valve seat with an opening for communication between the first and the second chamber, and a plug cooperating with the valve seat and movable between closed and open positions and vice versa. The plug, dynamically connected to a sensor exposed to the outer pressure, includes a transmission mechanism of the mechanical stress due to the outer pressure on the plug, which has a member that stops and starts the kinematic transmission chain according to the mechanical stress due to the outer pressure. Such member includes mechanical stress sensors that stop the kinematic transmission chain when the mechanical stress is below a predetermined threshold value and that restart the kinematic transmission chain when the mechanical stress is equal or above the threshold value.