Pressure Regulator Valve With Pressurized Chamber Flow Shutoff
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing irrigation systems require complex and costly networks of remotely controllable valves to achieve variable flow irrigation, which is inefficient and expensive, especially for systems with many sprinklers and nozzles.
Innovation Solution
A pressure regulator with a pressurizable chamber that controls water flow by using a shuttle to open or close the flow passage, allowing remote or programmed on-off operation without the need for additional valves, utilizing a sealed chamber with a spring and pressurized fluid to manage water pressure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If a complex network of remotely controllable valves is used for each sprinkler and nozzle to achieve variable flow irrigation, then precise control of water flow is improved, but device complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure regulator is designed to perform multiple functions: it regulates water pressure to maintain it within the design range of sprinklers and nozzles, and simultaneously functions as a controllable on-off valve for variable flow irrigation. The single device integrates both pressure regulation and flow control capabilities, eliminating the need for separate valves at each sprinkler or nozzle location.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention combines the pressure regulator and the on-off valve into a single integrated device. The regulator housing contains both the pressure regulation mechanism and the on-off valve mechanism with a shuttle that can be remotely actuated. This merging reduces the number of components from two separate devices to one, simplifying the overall valve network.
2Adaptability or versatility
If remotely controllable valves are added for each sprinkler and nozzle, then variable flow irrigation capability is improved, but cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure regulator is designed to perform multiple functions: it regulates water pressure to maintain it within the design range of sprinklers and nozzles, and simultaneously functions as a controllable on-off valve for variable flow irrigation. The single device integrates both pressure regulation and flow control capabilities, eliminating the need for separate valves at each sprinkler or nozzle location.
Solution Approach 2:
The pressure regulator utilizes the existing water pressure in the system to operate both its pressure regulation function and its on-off valve function. The shuttle is actuated by water pressure differential, eliminating the need for additional actuators or power sources at each device location, thereby reducing system cost.
3Productivity
If the pressure regulator allows continuous water flow, then irrigation coverage is improved, but water waste increases in regions that become too wet
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure regulator is designed to operate in periodic on-off cycles rather than continuous flow. The remotely controllable on-off valve can shut off water flow to specific sprinklers or nozzles for prescribed periods, allowing certain regions to receive water only during specific time intervals. This periodic operation enables precise control of water application, preventing over-irrigation in areas that tend to become too wet while maintaining adequate coverage.
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 efficient and cost-effective variable flow irrigation by allowing remote control of water flow to sprinklers and nozzles, reducing the complexity and expense of valve networks while maintaining consistent water pressure.
Implementation Method 1
A pressurizable chamber is provided between the plunger and the shuttle. The chamber may be pressurized to move the shuttle to close the flow passage into the inlet to the plunger passage.
Implementation Method 2
The chamber used to switch on and off the pressure regulator may be a sealed chamber which houses a spring, such as a helical spring, another type of mechanical spring or other deformable and resilient device.
Data Source
AI summary
A pressure regulator (10) including: a housing (12, 14) including a flow passage (44, 46, 48); a plunger (38) configured to move within the housing, wherein the plunger is hollow and has a plunger passage (46) included in the flow passage; a valve seat (52) in the housing and disposed in the flow passage immediately upstream of an inlet (44) to the plunger passage; a shuttle (42) within the housing configured to move between an upstream-most position at which the shuttle abuts the valve seat to close the flow passage and a downstream position displaced from the valve seat which opens the flow passage; a sealed chamber (26) within the housing and between the plunger and the shuttle, wherein the sealed chamber is configured to be operated at pressures other than at atmospheric pressure; and a port (66) in the housing and open to the sealed chamber, wherein the port is configured to be connected to a source (68) of a pressurized fluid.