Pressure Reducer Sealing Geometry for Vibration and Leakage Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing pressure reducers experience vibrations, noise, and efficiency drops due to fluctuations in inlet pressure, leading to potential leakage and reduced performance.

Innovation Solution

A pressure reducer design featuring a spring-operated piston rod with a sealing component and a valve that utilizes a sealing element with non-uniform geometry to achieve radial sealing, preventing fluid backflow and reducing vibrations through gradual sealing, and optionally employing a diaphragm for excess pressure communication.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a planar sealing surface is used between the piston rod and valve, then the sealing function is achieved, but vibrations and noise occur during operation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesealing functionVSAvoidvibrations and noise
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the planar sealing surface with a conical sealing surface on the valve. This curved geometry allows for gradual contact between the piston rod and valve during sealing, transforming the abrupt linear contact into a progressive conical engagement. The conical shape distributes the sealing force over a larger area and reduces impact shocks, thereby eliminating vibrations and noise while maintaining effective sealing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

2Productivity

If the piston rod contacts the sealing element to stop fluid supply, then fluid control is achieved, but radial leakage occurs

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefluid controlVSAvoidsealing efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The conical sealing surface on the valve creates a radial sealing geometry when the piston rod contacts the sealing element. The conical shape generates radial compression forces that press the sealing element against the piston rod surface, preventing radial leakage paths. This curved sealing geometry ensures complete fluid control without leakage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

3Device complexity

If conventional sealing arrangement is used, then结构简单性 is maintained, but efficiency drops due to pressure shocks

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesealing arrangementVSAvoidoperational efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The conical sealing surface provides a geometric solution that maintains structural simplicity while dramatically improving operational efficiency. The conical shape naturally gradates the pressure distribution during sealing, eliminating pressure shocks and water hammer effects. This single geometric modification enhances efficiency without adding complex components or mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

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 design enhances sealing efficiency, reduces noise, and improves the operational stability and longevity of the pressure reducer by preventing pressure shocks and vibrations, resulting in improved performance and reduced maintenance costs.

Implementation Method 1

The pressure reducer chamber (120) further includes a spring (131) operatively coupled with the piston rod (121)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSpring: Spring

Implementation Method 2

the piston rod is sealed radially by the sealing element to prevent the fluid from entering the piston rod

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRadial sealing:

Implementation Method 3

employing a diaphragm for excess pressure communication

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPressure communication: Pressure Gradient

Data Source

PatentEP4320496B1Pressure reducer
Publication Date: 2024.08.21 HUSQVARNA AB
  • EP4320496B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4320496B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4320496B1 patent drawingFigure 3A~3C

AI summary

A pressure reducer (100) for reducing a fluid pressure includes a pressure reducer body (110) defining at least one pressure reducer chamber (120). The pressure reducer chamber (120) includes an inlet section (122) and an outlet section (124) fluidly coupled with the inlet section (122). The pressure reducer chamber (110) further includes a spring-operated piston rod (121), a sealing component (128) operatively coupled with the piston rod (121), and a valve (129). The valve (129) opens and closes due to rocking motion of the piston rod (121). Further, a sealing element (130) is disposed between the valve (129) and the piston rod (121). The pressure reducer (100) is characterized in that the sealing element (130) rests upon the sealing seat (139); and, when the piston rod (121) stops the supply of fluid, the piston rod (121) is sealed radially by the sealing element (130) to prevent the fluid from entering the piston rod (121).