Piston Pressure Regulator for Leak-Free X-Ray Coolant Circuits
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Solution Overview
Problem
Prior art pressure regulators for X-ray apparatuses, particularly those with collapsible bladders, face issues with fluid flow under vacuum conditions and susceptibility to damage, making it difficult to maintain desired pressure levels amidst temperature and pressure changes.
Innovation Solution
A pressure regulator design featuring a piston housing with a recess and a circumferential groove, where a seal performs in both static and dynamic states, and a manifold for fluid communication, along with a locking pin for temporary fixation, helps maintain pressure within the closed coolant circuit by allowing the piston to reciprocate and define a variable volume chamber.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a collapsible bladder is used in the pressure regulator, then the device can accommodate pressure changes, but fluid flow is prevented under vacuum conditions and the bladder is susceptible to damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the collapsible bladder component entirely from the pressure regulator design. Instead, it uses a rigid piston assembly with a variable volume chamber that can expand and contract to accommodate pressure changes without relying on a flexible bladder, thereby eliminating the fluid flow blockage and damage susceptibility issues
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a seal as an intermediary element between the piston and the housing recess. This seal allows the variable volume chamber to change size for pressure accommodation while maintaining fluid flow capability and preventing leakage, replacing the problematic bladder function with a more reliable mechanical solution
2Adaptability or versatility
If a collapsible bladder is used in the pressure regulator, then the device can accommodate pressure changes, but the bladder is susceptible to damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the collapsible bladder component entirely from the pressure regulator design. Instead, it uses a rigid piston assembly with a variable volume chamber that can expand and contract to accommodate pressure changes without relying on a flexible bladder, thereby eliminating the fluid flow blockage and damage susceptibility issues
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a combination of rigid materials for the piston and housing, paired with a specialized seal material that provides both durability and flexibility. This composite approach creates a pressure-regulating mechanism that is far more resistant to damage while maintaining the necessary adaptability
3Reliability
If a seal performs in both static and dynamic states, then pressure regulation is improved, but the seal design becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs a universal seal that performs both static sealing (when the piston is stationary) and dynamic sealing (when the piston moves to regulate pressure). This multi-functional seal simplifies the overall device by eliminating the need for separate sealing mechanisms for different operational states, despite the enhanced functionality
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 effectively regulates pressure within the coolant circuit, maintaining it at ambient levels despite temperature variations, preventing air ingress and ensuring the system remains leak-free, thus enhancing the performance and reliability of the X-ray apparatus.
Implementation Method 1
A piston may be seated in the recess, with the piston being free to reciprocate and define a variable volume chamber within the recess
Implementation Method 2
A circumferential groove is formed in an exterior surface of the piston, and a seal is seated in the circumferential groove, which may perform in both static and dynamic states
Implementation Method 3
A manifold in the piston housing places the chamber in fluid communication with an exterior of the piston housing
Data Source
AI summary
A pressure regulator for an x-ray apparatus includes a piston housing having a recess formed therein and a piston seated in the recess. The piston is free to reciprocate, and define a variable volume chamber, within the recess. A circumferential groove is formed in an exterior surface of the piston, and a seal is seated in the circumferential groove. A manifold in the piston housing places the chamber in fluid communication with an exterior of the piston housing.