Compressed Gas Pressure Regulator With Adjustable Sensing Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pressure regulators for compressed gas lack reliability and ease of adjustment and calibration, particularly in applications where ambient pressure is not accessible.
Innovation Solution
A pressure regulator design featuring a pressure sensing assembly with an internal volume filled with auxiliary gas, which is elastically deformable and actuates a shutter relative to a seat. The regulator includes a port for connecting an external source of auxiliary gas to adjust the pressure within the internal volume, allowing for easy calibration and control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a pressure sensing assembly with sealed internal volume filled with auxiliary gas is used, then pressure regulation becomes independent of ambient pressure, but adjustment and control of the stiffness of the pressure sensing assembly becomes challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure sensing assembly is segmented into a sealed internal volume containing auxiliary gas and an external adjustment mechanism. The plug divides the internal volume into an first volume (upstream of plug) and second volume (downstream of plug), allowing independent control of gas pressure in each section. This segmentation enables stiffness adjustment without compromising the sealed nature of the assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The plug acts as an intermediary element that provides a controlled interface between the sealed internal volume and the external environment. Through the plug's opening, auxiliary gas can be introduced or removed to adjust the pressure in the internal volume, thereby controlling the stiffness of the pressure sensing assembly without breaching the seal or exposing it to ambient pressure.
2Reliability
If the pressure sensing assembly is sealed with a plug, then ambient pressure does not affect internal pressure, but the method of setting and adjusting gas pressure inside the internal volume is not detailed
Solution Approach 1:
The system is designed to allow preliminary adjustment of the auxiliary gas pressure in the internal volume during assembly or calibration. The plug can be temporarily opened to introduce auxiliary gas at the desired pressure before sealing, enabling the pressure sensing assembly to be pre-calibrated for specific applications.
Solution Approach 2:
The pressure sensing assembly incorporates a feedback mechanism where the auxiliary gas pressure in the internal volume directly influences the stiffness of the assembly, which in turn affects the shutter position and gas pressure regulation. This feedback loop allows for self-adjustment and maintains reliable sealing while enabling 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 provides a reliable and easily adjustable pressure regulator, capable of maintaining independent pressure regulation regardless of ambient pressure, enhancing its applicability in various industrial settings.
Implementation Method 1
said pressure sensing assembly being elastically deformable and located in the gas passage downstream of the seat, said pressure sensing assembly being configured for actuating the shutter relative to the seat depending on a gas pressure downstream of the seat
Implementation Method 2
The internal volume is presumably sealed by the plug but how the gas pressure inside that internal volume is set is not detailed
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The invention is directed to a pressure regulator (2) for compressed gas, comprising a body (4) with a gas inlet (6), a gas outlet (8) and a gas passage (10) interconnecting said gas inlet with said gas outlet; a shut-off device (12) comprising a seat (14) located in the gas passage (10); a shutter (16) configured for cooperating the seat (14); a pressure sensing assembly (18) defining an internal volume (18.1) filled with an auxiliary gas and closed by a plug (24), said pressure sensing assembly being elastically deformable and located in the gas passage downstream of the seat (14), said pressure sensing assembly being configured for actuating the shutter (16) relative to the seat (14) depending on a gas pressure downstream of the seat; a port (20) fluidly connected, via the plug (24), to the internal volume (18.1), and configured for fluidly connecting an external source (28) of the auxiliary gas to said internal volume for adjusting a pressure of the auxiliary gas in said internal volume.