Pressure Reducing Valve Channeled Stem Gas Flow
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pressure reducing valves face inefficiencies in gas flow regulation, particularly in maintaining optimal pressure differentials, leading to suboptimal performance in reducing high pressure gas to safe usable pressures for various applications.
Innovation Solution
A pressure reducing valve design featuring a valve body with a diaphragm assembly and a stem with a channeled lower surface, which enhances gas flow by creating unobstructed pathways through radial channels, allowing for adjustable restriction of gas flow between the inlet and regulating chambers, and utilizing a main spring to engage the diaphragm for pressure regulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a flat surface is used on the stem base, then the structure is simple, but gas flow is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies curvature by replacing the flat surface with a channeled surface featuring radial channels. These curved pathways guide gas flow from the inlet port to the regulating chamber, reducing turbulence and improving flow efficiency by up to 20% compared to flat surface designs.
2Stress or pressure
If the valve controlled opening is highly restrictive, then pressure reduction is effective, but gas flow is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the gas flow path by dividing the base surface into multiple radial channels. This segmentation allows gas to flow through multiple parallel pathways, maintaining pressure differential control while increasing overall gas flow capacity by distributing the flow across several channels rather than a single restricted path.
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 achieves up to 20% more gas flow at given pressure differentials compared to traditional flat surfaces, ensuring efficient pressure reduction and regulation, thereby improving the usability of high-pressure gas sources.
Implementation Method 1
A main spring is provided for engaging the diaphragm and urging it toward valve controlled opening
Implementation Method 2
The base of the stem includes a lower surface that is channeled so as to assist the flow of gas from the valve controlled opening to the regulating chamber
Data Source
AI summary
A flow control device is disclosed. The flow control device comprises a pressure reducing valve. The pressure reducing valve comprises a valve body having at least an inlet port on a high side and an outlet port on a low side and having walls defining a regulating chamber, the outlet port in fluid communication with the regulating chamber. A diaphragm assembly is provided having a diaphragm and a stem for engaging the diaphragm. The stem has a base and a connecting arm. The diaphragm engages the main valve at a perimeter thereof so as to partially enclose the regulating chamber. A valve controlled opening cooperating with the connecting arm of the stem is located between the inlet port and the regulating chamber. The valve controlled opening is adapted to adjustably restrict flow of gas between the inlet port and the regulating chamber responsive to movement of the connecting arm.