Pressure Reducer Valve Piston Magnetic Actuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pressure reducers lack the ability to quickly and remotely vary pressure at the low-pressure outlet while maintaining a fail-safe basic function without external intervention.
Innovation Solution
A pressure reducer design where the valve piston has only a radial surface facing the high-pressure inlet when closed, allowing for rapid pressure adjustment at the low-pressure outlet via a magnetic coil, with a spring providing a mechanical backup for fail-safe operation, and incorporating a compact, few-component structure with optimized sealing and actuation forces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a conventional valve piston design is used with multiple surfaces exposed to high pressure, then the valve can be actuated electromagnetically, but the high pressure exerts compressive forces on the valve piston that interfere with pressure regulation on the low-pressure side
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the high-pressure exposure from the valve piston's active surfaces. The valve piston is designed so that only a radial surface faces the high-pressure inlet, while the active surfaces for pressure regulation are exposed only to low pressure. This separation eliminates the interfering compressive forces from high pressure on the pressure regulation mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve piston is segmented into different functional zones: a radial surface exposed to high pressure for structural integrity, and active surfaces exposed only to low pressure for precise pressure regulation. This segmentation allows each surface to perform its specific function without interference from opposing pressure forces.
2Extent of automation
If the valve piston has large active surfaces exposed to high pressure, then electromagnetic actuation is possible, but the response time for pressure adjustment is slow due to the interference of high-pressure forces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the high-pressure exposure from the active surfaces of the valve piston, leaving only radial surfaces exposed to high pressure. This extraction eliminates the force interference that slows down pressure adjustment, enabling rapid response when electromagnetic actuation is applied.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple components are used in the pressure reducer, then the valve can be electromagnetically actuated with control capabilities, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the electromagnetic coil and magnet armature directly into the valve piston structure. The magnet armature is integrated as part of the valve piston, eliminating the need for separate actuation components and reducing overall device complexity while maintaining electromagnetic control functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve piston serves multiple functions: it acts as the sealing element against the valve seat, the armature for electromagnetic actuation, and the pressure regulation surface. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed in the system.
4Reliability
If the valve piston is designed with extensive high-pressure exposure, then sealing is improved, but the power consumption for electromagnetic actuation increases due to opposing forces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts high-pressure exposure from the active sealing surfaces, leaving only radial surfaces exposed to high pressure. This reduces the opposing forces that the electromagnetic actuator must overcome, thereby reducing power consumption while maintaining sealing effectiveness through the radial surface design.
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
Enables quick and remote control of pressure at the low-pressure outlet, ensuring fail-safe operation by maintaining pressure regulation mechanically when external control fails, with reduced component complexity and power consumption, and minimizing pressure waves in pipeline systems.
Implementation Method 1
a magnetic coil, which is prepared to exert a magnetic force superimposed on the closing force or the actuating force and acting on the valve piston
Implementation Method 2
a spring, which is designed to exert an actuating force on the valve piston, which acts away from the valve seat
Implementation Method 3
When the valve piston moves away from the valve seat, it opens a path between the high-pressure inlet and the low-pressure outlet. In addition, when the pressure reducer is in operation, a closing force caused by the low pressure acts on the valve piston in the direction of the valve seat.
Data Source
AI summary
A pressure reducing device (1) is described, comprising a high-pressure inlet (2), a low-pressure outlet (3), and a valve with a valve seat (5) and a movable valve piston (6) interacting with it. When the valve piston (6) is moved away from the valve seat (5), a path is opened between the high-pressure inlet (2) and the low-pressure outlet (3). Furthermore, during operation of the pressure reducing device (1), a closing force caused by the low pressure acts on the valve piston (6) in the direction of the valve seat (5). The pressure reducing device (1) also includes a spring (7) for exerting an actuating force on the valve piston (6), which acts away from the valve seat (5), i.e., in the opening direction of the valve. Finally, the pressure reducing device (1) includes a solenoid coil (8) which is designed to exert a magnetic force superimposed on the closing force or the actuating force and acting on the valve piston (6).