Pneumatic Pressure Regulator with Isolated Discharge Chamber
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pressure regulators face challenges in discharging excess pressure without altering the driver pressure, leading to increased complexity, sensitivity issues, and potential alterations in regulated pressure due to the use of double membranes or complex valve constructions.
Innovation Solution
A pressure regulator design featuring a membrane chamber with a discharge pipe connected to the external environment, allowing excess pressure to be discharged without affecting the driver pressure, utilizing a simple structure with minimal components and independent power supply systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If excess pressure is discharged through a bore in the membrane, then overpressure is relieved, but the driver pressure is altered and regulation accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The membrane chamber is segmented into two separate chambers: a first chamber for the membrane and driver pressure, and a second chamber for receiving and discharging excess pressure. This segmentation allows excess pressure to be discharged without affecting the driver pressure, resolving the contradiction between relieving overpressure and maintaining regulation accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
A communication valve is introduced as an intermediary component to control the flow between the first and second chambers. The valve selectively opens to discharge excess pressure from the second chamber while maintaining the driver pressure in the first chamber, enabling pressure relief without compromising regulation accuracy.
2Reliability
If an isolated chamber between two membranes is used to discharge excess pressure, then driver pressure is protected, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The harmful excess pressure is extracted and isolated in a separate second chamber that is selectively connected to the first chamber. This allows the driver pressure in the first chamber to be protected from excess pressure while avoiding the need for a complex double-membrane structure, as the chamber separation alone provides the necessary isolation.
Solution Approach 2:
The communication valve between the two chambers is dynamically controlled to open only when excess pressure needs to be discharged. This dynamic operation allows the system to maintain simplicity during normal operation while providing protection when needed, avoiding the permanent complexity of a double-membrane design.
3Measurement precision
If a separate regulator is used to control driver pressure, then pressure control is improved, but overall system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The main valve is designed to perform multiple functions: it controls the primary fluid flow and also regulates the driver pressure in the first chamber. By making the main valve universal, the patent eliminates the need for a separate regulator, maintaining precise driver pressure control while reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The functions of the main valve and driver pressure regulator are merged into a single integrated valve mechanism. This consolidation maintains the precision of driver pressure control that would otherwise require a separate regulator, while significantly reducing the overall system complexity and component count.
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 solution effectively regulates excess pressure with high sensitivity and reliability, reducing friction and maintaining accurate pressure control while preventing driver pressure alteration.
Implementation Method 1
A regulation membrane, subjected at the top to a driver pressure corresponding to the desired pressure and at the bottom to a pressure to be regulated, is operatively connected to said valve so that an increase in the driver pressure on the membrane causes an opening of the valve seat
Implementation Method 2
a discharge pipe (40) connected to said membrane chamber (22) and leading to the external environment, wherein said excess pressure is discharged through said discharge pipe (40) to the external environment
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 1a
Figure 2
AI summary
A pressure regulator (1;100) for supplying a fluid at regulated pressure comprises - a regulation membrane (24) delimiting an upper driver chamber (28) suitable for receiving a fluid at a driver pressure, and a lower discharge chamber (30), in fluidic communication with the exit duct (14) of the regulator. The regulating membrane (24) is operatively connected to a main valve (18), so that an increase in the driver pressure on the membrane causes an opening of a main valve seat (16) placed between the entry and exit ducts of the regulator. The lower discharge chamber (30) is in fluidic communication with the external environment by means of a discharge pipe (40) for discharging the excess pressure in said lower discharge chamber (30). A discharge obturator (50) suitable for preventing the passage of fluid through said discharge pipe (40) is operatively connected to the main valve (18) when the regulation membrane (24) is in a condition of equilibrium or upon an increase of the driver pressure and to permit the passage of fluid through said discharge pipe in the presence of excess pressure acting on the lower side of the membrane.