Gas Regulator Vent Limiting Orifice for Single-Diaphragm Performance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional gas pressure regulators face limitations in installation flexibility and performance due to restricted airflow and added stiffness from secondary diaphragms used for vent control, which also incur premium costs.
Innovation Solution
An optional vent limiting component is added to standard pressure regulators, featuring a calibrated orifice within the main relief opening, allowing for flexible installation and maintaining normal airflow without restricting egress, and is made from materials like engineered polymers or metal, with a gasket for sealing, to control gas release effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If a secondary diaphragm with calibrated opening is installed to control vented gas flow, then vent control is achieved, but product performance is affected due to added stiffness
Solution Approach 1:
The vent limiting function is segmented from the main diaphragm assembly into a separate, removable component. This allows the secondary diaphragm to be eliminated, maintaining the original single-diaphragm performance characteristics while still achieving vent control through the dedicated limiting component's calibrated opening.
Solution Approach 2:
The vent control function is extracted from the diaphragm system and placed into a separate vent limiting component. This extraction removes the secondary diaphragm that caused performance degradation, while preserving the essential vent control capability through the limiting component's integrated orifice.
2Quantity of substance
If an orifice at vent outlet is used to restrict flow, then vent control is achieved, but normal regulator operation is hindered by restricting inflow/outflow of air
Solution Approach 1:
The flow restriction is localized to only the vent path through the vent limiting component's calibrated opening, while the main regulator airflow paths remain unrestricted. This allows vent control without interfering with normal regulator operation, as the orifice only affects the vented gas flow and not the primary inflow/outflow of air.
3Quantity of substance
If a restrictor is installed to control vent flow, then installation flexibility is reduced due to sensitivity to level orientation
Solution Approach 1:
The vent limiting component is designed with a universal, orientation-independent structure that functions effectively in any installation position. The component integrates multiple functions (flow restriction, sealing, and structural support) into a single element that maintains consistent performance regardless of regulator orientation, thereby preserving installation flexibility.
4Quantity of substance
If conventional vent control methods are used, then premium prices are commanded, but cost-effectiveness is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The vent limiting component is designed as a simple, easily manufactured part that can be produced at low cost. The component uses basic geometric features (calibrated opening, flange, gasket interface) that are straightforward to manufacture, eliminating the need for expensive secondary diaphragm assemblies or complex restrictor mechanisms, thereby achieving cost-effective vent 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 enhances installation flexibility, maintains normal regulator performance, and provides cost-effective vent control by allowing the use of a conventional single diaphragm, ensuring minimal added cost while effectively metering and limiting gas release according to established standards.
Implementation Method 1
a main spring configured to provide a force to the vent limiting component to removably secure the vent limiting component to the diaphragm
Implementation Method 2
The vent limiting component defines an orifice, wherein the lower side of the diaphragm is in fluid communication with the upper side of the diaphragm through the orifice
Data Source
AI summary
A pressure regulator is described. The pressure regulator includes a diaphragm, a vent limiting component, a relief valve stem, and a main spring. The diaphragm has an inner edge that defines a main relief opening. The vent limiting component is positioned within the main relief opening and adjacent to an upper side of the diaphragm about the inner edge. The vent limiting component defines an orifice, wherein the lower side of the diaphragm is in fluid communication with the upper side of the diaphragm through the orifice. The relief valve stem is positioned adjacent to a lower side of the diaphragm about the inner edge. The main spring is configured to provide a force to the vent limiting component to removably secure the vent limiting component to the diaphragm.