Integrated Minimum Pressure Valve for Simpler Compressor Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional minimum pressure valves in compressor installations have a high number of interacting components, leading to complex assembly, high maintenance costs, and increased risk of incorrect mounting or failure, which can result in unintended pressure modifications.
Innovation Solution
A simplified design for a minimum pressure valve with a regulation unit that sets the pressure at which the valve body moves into an open position, reducing the number of components and eliminating the need for pre-tensioning springs, allowing for easier adaptation to different compressor capacities without component changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional minimum pressure valves use multiple interacting components to ensure pressure regulation, then the pressure control function is achieved, but the device complexity increases and assembly time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate components (valve body, spring, guide elements, sealing elements) into a single integrated valve body component. The spring is pre-installed in grooves during manufacturing, and all sealing elements are integrated into the valve body structure, eliminating the need for separate assembly of these parts and reducing overall device complexity while maintaining pressure control functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated valve body performs multiple functions simultaneously: it provides the valve seating surface, contains the spring mechanism, provides guiding surfaces for the valve element, incorporates sealing elements, and maintains pressure regulation. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate guide elements, sealing components, and spring housings that would otherwise be required.
2Reliability
If traditional minimum pressure valves use multiple interacting components, then the pressure control function is achieved, but the assembly time increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The spring is pre-installed in grooves within the valve body during manufacturing, and sealing elements are pre-integrated into the valve body structure. This preliminary action eliminates the need for field assembly of these components and reduces on-site assembly time significantly, while ensuring proper installation and reducing the risk of assembly errors.
Solution Approach 2:
By merging multiple components into a single integrated valve body, the number of assembly steps is dramatically reduced. The valve can be installed as a single unit rather than assembling multiple separate parts, directly reducing assembly time and improving maintenance efficiency.
3Reliability
If traditional minimum pressure valves use multiple components with individual tolerances, then the pressure control function is achieved, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple components with individual tolerances into a single valve body manufactured as one piece. This eliminates tolerance accumulation between separate parts and ensures consistent pressure control performance. The integrated design guarantees proper alignment and fit between elements that would otherwise require tight tolerances in separate components.
4Reliability
If traditional minimum pressure valves use springs requiring pre-tensioning, then the pressure regulation function is achieved, but the risk of component damage during assembly increases
Solution Approach 1:
The spring is pre-installed in grooves within the valve body during manufacturing under controlled conditions. This preliminary action eliminates the risk of spring-induced damage to adjacent components during field assembly, as the spring is already in its proper position and tensioned correctly before installation.
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 design reduces assembly time, lowers manufacturing and maintenance costs, and minimizes the risk of faulty mounting or damage during assembly, ensuring consistent pressure regulation and extended valve lifespan.
Implementation Method 1
a valve body (17) movable in said chamber (16) between a closed position in which said valve inlet (11) is closed off, and an open position in which said valve inlet (11) is open
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention is directed to a minimum pressure valve comprising a housing (13) with a. valve inlet (11) and a valve outlet (12) which are connected by means of a chamber (16), said minimum pressure valve (105 further comprising a valve body (17) movable in said chamber {16; between a closed position in which said valve inlet (11) is closed off, and an open position in which said valve inlet (II) is open, whereby said minimum pressure valve (10) further comprises a regulation unit (18) for setting the value of the pressure at which the valve body (1?) mena3 into an open position.