Pressure-Balanced Fluid Regulator for Stable Low-Pressure Output
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pressurized fluid regulators fail to maintain a constant low pressure output independently of varying high pressure inlet conditions, leading to poor performance and operational disturbances.
Innovation Solution
A compensated fluid pressure reducer with a cylindrical part having two heads, where the high pressure fluid forces cancel each other out on equal and opposite surfaces, allowing the moving regulation part to maintain a constant low pressure output regardless of high pressure variations, and an integrated reservoir head for compact and reliable operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a classic regulator with a compensated valve is used to cancel the influence of high pressure, then the outlet pressure can be delivered independently of inlet pressure, but the simplicity and compactness of the regulator deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the high pressure influence from the moving regulation part by introducing a separate compensation chamber that receives high pressure fluid through a dedicated duct. This compensation chamber acts as an independent entity that counterbalances the high pressure effects on the moving part, thereby maintaining outlet pressure independence without requiring the moving part itself to be complex or non-compact.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces a compensation chamber as an intermediary element between the high pressure inlet and the moving regulation part. This intermediate chamber receives high pressure fluid through a compensation duct and uses it to generate a compensating force on the moving part, thereby mediating the interaction between high pressure variations and the regulation mechanism to maintain stable outlet pressure.
2Device complexity
If the high pressure fluid acts directly on the moving regulation part, then the regulator structure remains simple, but the outlet pressure varies with inlet pressure causing poor performance
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the pressure action areas by creating distinct zones: a high pressure chamber separated from the moving regulation part by a compensation chamber. The high pressure fluid is directed to act on specific surfaces (first and second surfaces) that are geometrically designed to generate balanced forces, thereby segmenting the pressure influence and preventing direct unbalanced action on the moving part.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention implements a counterbalancing mechanism where the compensation chamber receives high pressure fluid that generates a compensating force opposite to the direct high pressure action on the moving part. The geometric design of the chamber creates equal and opposite forces that cancel each other out, providing a counterweight effect that eliminates the harmful influence of high pressure variations on outlet pressure.
3Reliability
If a two-stage regulator is used to deliver constant outlet pressure, then outlet pressure independence is achieved, but the device complexity and compactness deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the compensation function and the regulation function into a single integrated chamber structure. The compensation chamber is formed within the same hollow body that contains the moving regulation part, combining what would traditionally be separate stages into one unified compact structure. This merging maintains outlet pressure independence while avoiding the volume increase associated with two-stage regulators.
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 ensures a constant low pressure output is maintained independently of high pressure fluctuations, with adjustable low pressure settings and simplified manufacturing and assembly, resulting in a compact and reliable regulator.
Implementation Method 1
the high pressure fluid transmits forces which cancel each other out to the movable regulation part
Implementation Method 2
a spring-effect element called expansion or compensation
Data Source
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AI summary
Balanced regulator for pressurized fluid, comprising a hollow body, at least one inlet for a fluid at high pressure, at least one outlet for this fluid at low pressure, a movable regulator part which slides in a cylindrical bore and which is able to stop the inlet of the fluid at high pressure, and such that the regulator part has a cylindrical overall shape with two heads, the two opposite and internal partial faces of which have a virtually equal area. These two internal partial faces, a part of a bore surrounding said part in a sealed manner, and a seal secured to this bore delimit a high-pressure chamber, said two-headed part and this bore being able to move with respect to one another, and the inlet for high-pressure fluid leading laterally into this high-pressure chamber.