Balanced-Port Fluid Regulator Stem-Trim Connection for Fast Response
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fluid regulators with balanced port regulator valves and trim assemblies respond slowly to increased downstream pressure demands due to the lack of connection between the actuator stem and the balanced trim assembly, which prevents the balanced trim assembly from moving and opening the valve quickly.
Innovation Solution
A connector assembly, including a snap ring, is used to connect the actuator stem to the balanced trim assembly, ensuring that the actuator stem assists in moving the balanced trim assembly away from the valve port, thereby improving the speed of response and ensuring timely opening of the orifice.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the actuator stem is not connected to the balanced trim assembly, then the device complexity is reduced, but the speed of response deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The connector assembly merges the actuator stem and balanced trim assembly into a unified moving system. The connector includes a first end attached to the actuator stem and a second end attached to the balanced trim assembly, ensuring they move together as one coordinated unit. This merging resolves the response speed issue while maintaining reasonable structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector assembly acts as an intermediary element between the actuator stem and balanced trim assembly. It provides the necessary mechanical linkage to transmit motion from the actuator stem to the balanced trim assembly, enabling coordinated movement without directly merging the two components.
2Ease of operation
If the balanced trim assembly is not connected to the actuator stem, then the ease of operation is improved, but the productivity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The connector assembly combines the actuator stem and balanced trim assembly into a coordinated system, ensuring that when the actuator operates, the balanced trim assembly moves同步ly. This merging ensures that the valve opens quickly and efficiently, improving productivity while maintaining ease of operation through the simple connector design.
3Device complexity
If the balanced trim assembly moves independently without connection to the actuator stem, then the device complexity is reduced, but the time required for valve opening increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connector assembly merges the motion of the actuator stem with the balanced trim assembly, ensuring they move together. This eliminates the time delay caused by independent movement, as the connector ensures synchronous motion while adding minimal structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector assembly is pre-installed to establish the mechanical linkage between the actuator stem and balanced trim assembly before operation. This preliminary configuration ensures that when the actuator operates, the balanced trim assembly is already positioned to move同步ly, reducing the time required for valve opening.
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
This connection enables the fluid regulator to respond more quickly to changes in downstream pressure, enhancing the speed and accuracy of gas delivery by ensuring the balanced trim assembly moves in sync with the actuator stem, thus improving the overall performance of the fluid regulator.
Implementation Method 1
A connector assembly, including a snap ring, is used to connect the actuator stem to the balanced trim assembly, ensuring that the actuator stem assists in moving the balanced trim assembly away from the valve port
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 1C
AI summary
A fluid regulator includes a balance port regulator valve and an actuator coupled to the regulator valve. The regulator valve has an inlet, an outlet, a valve port disposed between the inlet and the outlet, and a valve disc movable along a longitudinal axis between a closed position in which the valve disc sealingly engages the valve port and an open position in which the valve disc is spaced apart from the valve port. The actuator is responsive to fluid pressure to move an actuator stem along the longitudinal axis. A connector assembly operably and removably connects the valve disc to the actuator stem.