Fluid Regulator Actuator Stability via Nested Control Springs
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing gas distribution system regulators face stability limitations due to single control spring arrangements, leading to undesirable valve flutter at certain resonant frequencies, which affects the maintenance of preselected gas pressures in end-user facilities.
Innovation Solution
The use of two control springs with different natural frequencies, arranged in parallel and nested within each other, to independently bias the diaphragm against fluid pressure, providing enhanced stability and reducing resonant instability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single control spring is used to bias the diaphragm, then the device complexity is reduced and assembly is simplified, but the regulator exhibits instability and valve flutter at certain resonant frequencies
Solution Approach 1:
The single control spring is segmented into multiple control springs (at least two) with different natural frequencies. Each spring is operatively connected to the diaphragm to bias it against fluid pressure. This segmentation eliminates resonant instability and valve flutter while maintaining acceptable device complexity through the use of nested spring arrangements.
Solution Approach 2:
The control springs are arranged in a nested configuration where smaller diameter springs are positioned inside larger diameter springs. This nesting approach allows multiple springs to occupy a compact space, reducing the overall volume of the actuator while providing the stability benefits of multiple springs with different natural frequencies.
2Stability of the object's composition
If multiple control springs with different natural frequencies are used, then regulator stability is improved and valve flutter is reduced, but the device complexity and assembly difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The control springs are arranged in a nested configuration where smaller diameter springs are positioned inside larger diameter springs. This nesting approach allows multiple springs to occupy a compact space, reducing the overall volume of the actuator while providing the stability benefits of multiple springs with different natural frequencies.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple control springs with different natural frequencies are combined in parallel to work together in biasing the diaphragm. This combination achieves the stability benefits of multiple frequencies while using a compact nested arrangement that minimizes the increase in device complexity.
3Force
If multiple control springs are arranged in parallel, then a higher spring rate is achieved in a compact design, but the volume occupied by the springs increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control springs are arranged in a nested configuration where smaller diameter springs are positioned inside larger diameter springs. This nesting approach allows multiple springs to occupy a compact space, reducing the overall volume of the actuator while providing the stability benefits of multiple springs with different natural frequencies.
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 configuration reduces regulator instability and valve flutter, allowing for precise control of gas pressure within a preselected range while enabling a higher spring rate in a compact design.
Implementation Method 1
The actuator includes a plurality of control springs operatively connected to the diaphragm and arranged to independently bias the diaphragm against the fluid pressure
Implementation Method 2
Movement of the diaphragm 28 in response to pressure changes at the outlet 22 causes the linkage to shift the control element 14
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
An actuator (16) for a fluid regulator includes two or more control springs (46,48) operatively connected to a diaphragm (50) such that at least two of the control springs (46,48) bias the diaphragm (50) independently in parallel and have different natural frequencies. A method for retrofitting a prior art actuator to include a second control spring is also disclosed.