Pressure-Balanced IFP Valve With Integral Relief for Tight Chambers
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Solution Overview
Problem
In telescopic assemblies with small or size-restricted chamber axial lengths, the size and 'dead space' displacement of internal floating pistons (IFPs) negatively impact the operation, reducing available volume for gas and liquid, which affects the range of operation and operating pressure.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates an IFP with anti-tipping features such as a circumferential anti-tipping feature and tangs, which provide additional support to prevent tipping and reduce 'dead space', allowing for a larger available chamber volume by minimizing the axial length required for anti-tipping mechanisms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an internal floating piston (IFP) is used in a telescopic assembly with a small chamber axial length, then the IFP provides pressure balancing function, but the IFP's size and dead space displacement reduce the available chamber volume and affect operational range
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the pressure relief valve mechanism within the IFP structure itself, nesting the relief valve components inside the IFP's axial length. This allows the pressure relief function to be incorporated without adding external components that would further reduce the already limited chamber volume, thereby addressing the volume constraint while maintaining pressure control capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple functions (pressure balancing, pressure relief, and anti-tipping) into a single integrated IFP assembly. By merging these functions into one component rather than using separate components, the design maximizes the use of available chamber volume while ensuring reliable operation in size-restricted environments
2Stability of the object's composition
If traditional anti-tipping mechanisms are used for the IFP, then tipping is prevented, but the axial length required for anti-tipping mechanisms increases the dead space
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from using axial extensions for anti-tipping to using circumferential features (such as circumferential grooves or ribs) that provide anti-tipping stability in the radial dimension. This dimensional shift allows the IFP to maintain stability without increasing the axial length, thereby reducing dead space in the axial direction
3Length of moving object
If the chamber axial length is reduced for size restriction, then the overall size and weight of the telescopic assembly are reduced, but the operational range and available volume are significantly impacted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the IFP's geometric parameters (such as diameter, axial length, and feature dimensions) to minimize its volume while maintaining functional performance. By carefully selecting and adjusting these parameters, the design achieves a compact IFP that occupies minimal chamber volume while still providing adequate pressure control and anti-tipping functionality, thereby preserving operational range in size-restricted applications
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 solution effectively prevents IFP wobble and tipping, maintaining the operational integrity of telescopic assemblies in size-restricted environments by optimizing the use of available space within the chamber.
Implementation Method 1
a spring configured to hold the plunger against the cap
Implementation Method 2
Pressure balanced valve with integral pressure relief function... a weighted piston
Data Source
AI summary
A pressure balanced valve with integral pressure relief function is disclosed. The pressure relief valve includes a cap with an opening therein, a plunger configured to fill the opening in the cap, and a spring configured to hold the plunger against the cap. The pressure relief valve providing a fluid pathway through a piston, wherein the fluid pathway extends between a first fluid chamber and a second fluid chamber and provides a bypass for fluid to flow from the second fluid chamber to the first fluid chamber when a pressure of a fluid in the second fluid chamber is above a blow-off pressure of the pressure relief valve.