Integral Venturi Plunger for Stable Pressure Reducing Valves
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional pressure reducing valves fail to compensate for changes in outlet fluid pressure due to fluctuations in outlet fluid flow rate, leading to undesirable pressure drops and a bulky system design with external venturi configurations that are prone to leaks.
Innovation Solution
An integrally formed venturi and channel within the plunger of the pressure reducing valve, which senses changes in outlet fluid flow rate and adjusts the force on the plunger to maintain stable outlet pressure, eliminating or reducing pressure drops while maintaining a compact design and avoiding external conduit exposure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If an external venturi is used to compensate for outlet pressure changes, then pressure stability is improved, but device complexity and enclosure space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The venturi is integrated directly into the plunger body, merging the venturi function with the existing plunger structure. This eliminates the need for separate external venturi components and their associated pipe conduits, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining pressure stability compensation capability
Solution Approach 2:
The plunger is designed to serve multiple functions: it acts as both the sealing/plugging component and the venturi structure for pressure feedback. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed in the system, simplifying the overall device structure
2Stability of the object's composition
If pipe conduits are used to connect external venturi to valve, then pressure feedback is achieved, but reliability decreases due to exposed connections prone to leaks and damage
Solution Approach 1:
The fluid communication passages are integrated directly into the plunger body, eliminating the need for external pipe conduits and connections. This integration removes the exposed connection points that were prone to leaks and damage, significantly improving reliability while maintaining pressure feedback capability
Solution Approach 2:
The vulnerable external pipe conduit connections are completely removed from the system. The pressure feedback function is achieved through internal passages within the plunger, extracting the problematic external connection elements while preserving the essential feedback mechanism
3Stability of the object's composition
If external venturi with pipe conduit is used, then pressure compensation is achieved, but the system becomes bulky and may not fit the enclosure
Solution Approach 1:
The venturi structure is merged with the plunger body, utilizing the existing plunger volume for dual purposes. This integration eliminates the need for separate external venturi components and extensive pipe conduits, dramatically reducing the overall system volume while maintaining pressure compensation functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The venturi passages are nested within the plunger structure itself, with the venturi channels formed as internal cavities or passages within the plunger material. This nesting approach allows the venturi function to be contained within the existing plunger envelope, minimizing additional space requirements
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 integrated venturi and channel design effectively stabilizes outlet pressure by adjusting the biasing force in response to flow rate changes, reducing pressure losses and eliminating the need for external venturi conduits, thus enhancing the valve's performance and reliability.
Implementation Method 1
a venturi is integrally formed within the plunger. The venturi has a venturi inlet and a venturi outlet with a venturi constriction therebetween
Implementation Method 2
The venturi constriction is configured to sense and deliver a fluid pressure to the pressure sensing cavity of the biasing member via the channel to adjust a biasing force applied to the plunger by the biasing member
Data Source
AI summary
A pressure reducing valve includes a valve housing, plunger, pressure sensing cavity, and biasing member. The valve housing includes a valve inlet and valve outlet in selective fluid communication with each other. The plunger is in the valve housing and movable between a closed position and open position. The plunger is positioned downstream from the valve inlet and upstream from the valve outlet. The plunger includes a venturi and a channel. The venturi is within the plunger and has a venturi inlet and venturi outlet. The channel is within the plunger and is in fluid communication with the venturi. The pressure sensing cavity is in fluid communication with the channel. The biasing member exerts a biasing force on the plunger toward the open position. The channel is in fluid communication with the pressure sensing cavity to provide a fluid pressure that is lower than the outlet pressure during flow.