Low-Profile Paired Relief Valve Assembly for Compact Tank Venting

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Solution Overview

Problem

Cryogenic fluid storage tanks face pressure fluctuations due to temperature variations and fluid dispensing, requiring effective pressure relief mechanisms that are compact and easy to maintain, as existing solutions often involve complex piping and fittings that complicate fluid routing and maintenance.

Innovation Solution

A low-profile paired relief valve assembly comprising an inlet manifold, parallel pressure relief valves, adapters, and an outlet manifold, which simplifies fluid routing and maintenance by eliminating complex piping through parallel valve configuration and removable threaded connections, ensuring efficient pressure relief and compact geometry.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If traditional pressure relief mechanisms are used, then pressure relief function is provided, but the system becomes complex with complicated piping and fittings

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepiping and fittings complexityVSAvoidpressure relief function

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple pressure relief valves into a single integrated assembly with common inlet and outlet manifolds. The inlet manifold receives fluid from a single source and distributes it to multiple parallel valves, while the outlet manifold collects discharge from all valves. This consolidation eliminates the need for separate piping runs for each valve, reducing the number of fittings and simplifying the overall system architecture while maintaining reliable pressure relief functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent segments the pressure relief system into modular components: inlet manifold, multiple parallel relief valves, outlet manifold, and connecting adapters. This segmentation allows each component to be independently manufactured, tested, and maintained. The modular design simplifies assembly and reduces the complexity of installing and maintaining the complete pressure relief system compared to traditional integrated approaches.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If multiple pressure relief valves are installed, then pressure relief capacity is increased, but the profile height and space requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepressure relief capacityVSAvoidprofile height

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent arranges multiple pressure relief valves in a parallel configuration within a compact footprint, utilizing horizontal space rather than vertical stacking. The valves are positioned side-by-side and connected through manifolds, allowing the assembly to achieve increased pressure relief capacity without proportionally increasing the overall profile height. This dimensional reorganization enables multiple valves to coexist in a low-profile configuration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent nests multiple valves and piping components within a compact manifold assembly. The inlet and outlet manifolds are designed to accommodate multiple valve connections in a nested arrangement, where adapters and connecting pieces are integrated within the overall assembly boundary. This nesting approach maximizes the use of internal space and reduces the external dimensions of the complete pressure relief system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Ease of operation

If complex piping is used to connect multiple valves, then fluid routing is achieved, but maintenance difficulty and replacement time increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefluid routingVSAvoidmaintenance difficulty

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the fluid routing system into standardized modular components with consistent connection interfaces. Each valve can be independently connected to the manifolds through standardized adapters, allowing individual valves to be removed or replaced without disturbing the entire piping system. This segmentation dramatically simplifies maintenance operations compared to traditional complex piping where changes require system-wide disassembly.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs universal connection standards and standardized adapter designs that can accommodate different valve types and configurations. The inlet and outlet manifolds are designed with standardized connection points that can interface with various valve configurations. This universality allows for easy interchangeability of components and simplifies maintenance procedures, as technicians can replace valves and adapters using standardized procedures regardless of the specific configuration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS11346454B2Low-profile paired relief valve

Publication Date: 2022.05.31 ENGINEERED CONTROLS INT

AI summary

A pressure relief valve assembly is disclosed. The pressure relief valve assembly comprises an inlet manifold, a first pressure relief valve, a second pressure relief valve, and an outlet manifold. The first pressure relief valve is connected to and in fluid communication with the inlet manifold. The second pressure relief valve is connected to and in fluid communication with the inlet manifold and parallel to the first pressure relief valve. The outlet manifold is connected to and in fluid communication with the first pressure relief valve and the second pressure relief valve.