Integrated Minimum Pressure Valve for Stable Compressor Pressure
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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 unstable pressure settings.
Innovation Solution
A simplified design for a minimum pressure valve with a reduced number of components, incorporating a regulation unit to set the pressure at which the valve body moves into an open position, eliminating the need for springs and allowing 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 reliable pressure control, then the pressure setting stability is improved, but the device complexity and assembly time increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate components (valve body, spring, adjuster mechanism, housing) into a single integrated minimum pressure valve assembly. The valve body incorporates internal chambers and passages that integrate the pressure sensing, regulation, and control functions that were previously distributed across multiple separate components, thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining pressure control reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The valve body is designed as a multi-functional component that simultaneously performs pressure sensing, pressure regulation, flow control, and mechanical actuation functions. The single valve body structure incorporates internal features that enable it to replace multiple specialized components, achieving the same reliable pressure control with fewer parts
2Manufacturing precision
If traditional minimum pressure valves use multiple components with individual tolerances, then the pressure control precision can be adjusted, but the manufacturing precision requirements and assembly difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the pressure sensing chamber, regulation mechanism, and valve actuation system into a single integrated valve body, the patent eliminates the need for precise assembly of multiple separate components. The internal features are manufactured as integral parts of the valve body, reducing cumulative tolerance issues and simplifying the manufacturing process while maintaining pressure control precision
Solution Approach 2:
The valve body is designed with segmented internal chambers and passages that are formed as integral features during manufacturing. This segmentation allows for precise pressure control zones within the single component without requiring separate assembled parts, thereby maintaining manufacturing precision while easing assembly requirements
3Adaptability or versatility
If traditional minimum pressure valves include springs and multiple interacting parts, then the pressure regulation flexibility is improved, but the risk of component damage during assembly and incorrect mounting increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates separate springs and delicate adjustment mechanisms by integrating the pressure regulation function directly into the valve body structure. The valve body incorporates internal pressure-sensitive features that provide pressure regulation flexibility without requiring fragile external components, thereby reducing the risk of damage during assembly and incorrect mounting
Solution Approach 2:
The design replaces expensive, fragile components (springs, precision adjusters) with a more robust valve body structure that is less susceptible to damage. While the valve body is a permanent component, its enhanced durability and resistance to assembly damage effectively replace the role of delicate, replaceable components, improving overall system reliability
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 and costs, minimizes the risk of faulty mounting, and ensures consistent pressure settings, enhancing the reliability and longevity of the valve.
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
Implementation Method 2
a regulation unit (18) for setting the value of the pressure at which the valve body (17) moves into an open position
Data Source
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 (10) 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 (11) 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 (17) moves into an open position.