Irrigation Pressure Regulator With Integrated Flow Shut-Off
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pressure reducing flow regulators and valves for irrigation systems struggle to combine pressure regulation and flow shut-off functionality in a single device, leading to inefficiencies in managing pressure variations and flow control.
Innovation Solution
A pressure regulator that integrates pressure regulation and valve functionality, featuring a flow stem with a biasing mechanism and a plug system, allowing for downstream flow shut-off via an incoming command port, ensuring constant outlet pressure across varying inlet pressures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If pressure regulation and flow shut-off are implemented as separate devices, then each device can be optimized for its specific function, but the overall system complexity increases and space requirements multiply
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines pressure regulation and flow shut-off functions into a single integrated device. The pressure regulator body houses both the pressure reducing mechanism (with movable valve member and spring) and the shut-off mechanism (with plug and command port) in one compact unit, eliminating the need for separate devices while providing dual functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The single pressure regulator device performs multiple functions: it reduces upstream pressure to downstream pressure through the valve means, and simultaneously provides complete flow shut-off capability through the plug system activated via the command port. This multi-functional design replaces what would traditionally require separate pressure regulating valve and shut-off valve.
2Device complexity
If a single integrated device is used for both pressure regulation and flow shut-off, then device complexity is reduced, but the reliability of each individual function may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated device internally segments the two functions into distinct mechanical subsystems: the pressure regulation subsystem with its valve means and biasing means, and the shut-off subsystem with the plug and command port connection. This segmentation allows each function to operate independently with its own control mechanism, maintaining reliability while reducing overall device count.
Solution Approach 2:
The command port acts as an intermediary control interface that can trigger the shut-off function without interfering with the pressure regulation function. The plug mechanism serves as an intermediary component that provides shut-off capability through a separate action path, ensuring that the two functions can be controlled independently while sharing the same device housing.
3Ease of operation
If pressure regulation is provided without integrated shut-off capability, then the pressure control function is simplified, but additional shut-off valves are required for flow management
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges pressure regulation and flow shut-off operations into one device, allowing users to control both pressure and flow through a single component. The movable valve member handles pressure regulation while the plug provides shut-off capability, eliminating the need for separate shut-off valves and simplifying system operation.
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 solution effectively regulates pressure and controls flow in irrigation systems, providing a single device that manages pressure variations and shut-off functionality, maintaining consistent outlet pressure and efficient flow management.
Implementation Method 1
biasing means adapted to bear against the valve means to maintain the valve means in an open position
Implementation Method 2
pressure regulator for reducing an upstream pressure to a lower downstream pressure
Implementation Method 3
shut off downstream flow into the portion of the irrigation system in response to an incoming command arriving via an incoming port into the regulator
Data Source
AI summary
A pressure regulator valve for regulating pressures within a portion of an irrigation system, can also be used to shut off downstream flow into the portion of the irrigation system in response to an incoming command arriving via an incoming port into the regulator.