Modular Fluid Regulator Platform Stem Guide Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Fluid regulator manufacturers face logistical and cost challenges due to the need for diverse products to meet different global market requirements, as desired performance and operational characteristics are often exclusive of each other, leading to a large number of differently designed regulator families.
Innovation Solution
A modular fluid regulator platform with interchangeable stem guides and diaphragm assemblies that allow for various configurations within a common actuator casing, enabling different trim styles, valve actions, and pressure registration options, reducing the number of components needed and facilitating global market coverage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If manufacturers provide multiple differently designed regulator product families to meet diverse global market needs, then adaptability to different market requirements is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal regulator body design that can accommodate multiple valve trim assemblies with different operational characteristics (direct-acting, pressure-loaded, pilot-operated) through standardized mounting interfaces and a common diaphragm assembly design, allowing a single regulator family to serve multiple global market requirements
2Adaptability or versatility
If manufacturers provide multiple differently designed regulator product families to meet diverse global market needs, then adaptability to different market requirements is improved, but manufacturing and support cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The regulator body is designed as a universal platform that can produce multiple regulator configurations using the same basic components and assembly processes, reducing manufacturing complexity and support costs while maintaining adaptability to different market needs
Solution Approach 2:
The regulator is divided into modular segments (regulator body, valve trim assemblies, diaphragm assembly) that can be independently manufactured and assembled, allowing for simplified production and easier maintenance while providing configuration flexibility for different markets
3Ease of manufacture
If a common diaphragm assembly design is used across different regulator configurations, then ease of manufacture is improved, but adaptability to different operational characteristics may be limited
Solution Approach 1:
The common diaphragm assembly is designed with universal mounting interfaces and configurable connection points that allow it to function across different operational modes (direct-acting, pressure-loaded, pilot-operated) when combined with different valve trim assemblies, maintaining both manufacturing simplicity and operational adaptability
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 modular design significantly reduces the number of components required, lowering costs associated with assembly, maintenance, inventory, and training, while enabling fluid regulators to meet diverse global market needs at a lower overall cost.
Implementation Method 1
The diaphragm moves the disk in response to a difference between the outlet pressure and the set or control pressure to vary the flow restriction provided by the disk
Implementation Method 2
a diaphragm having a set or control pressure force applied to one of its sides via a bias spring
Implementation Method 3
a diaphragm having a set or control pressure force applied to one of its sides via a bias spring
Implementation Method 4
to vary the flow restriction provided by the disk to achieve a substantially constant outlet pressure
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4A~4C
AI summary
Apparatus to configure fluid regulators are described. In one example, a stem guide for use with a fluid regulator is described. The stem guide includes a body having an opening to slidably receive a valve stem and an outer surface having a plurality of circumferential seals that removably couple the body within a bore of a regulator casing and align the body with the regulator casing or a valve.