Pressure Regulator Drain Check Shuttle Without Debris-Strut Obstruction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional pressure regulators for irrigation systems face issues with water drainage at low points in the pipe, leading to unwanted flooding, as existing drain check valves create obstructions that can catch debris and hinder flow.
Innovation Solution
A pressure regulator design incorporating a drain check shuttle that moves reciprocally within the housing, without radially extending struts, to prevent water flow when pressure drops, ensuring debris-free operation and maintaining uniform pressure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional drain check valves with radially extending struts are used, then water flow is blocked when pressure drops, but debris accumulates on the struts creating flow obstructions
Solution Approach 1:
The invention removes the radially extending struts from the drain check valve design. The shuttle valve body itself forms the complete flow passage without any internal supporting struts, extracting the problematic element that caused debris accumulation while maintaining the water flow control function.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using struts extending into the flow path to support the valve, the invention inverts the approach by making the valve body itself form the flow passage walls. The support function is integrated into the valve body structure rather than being added as separate intrusive elements.
2Strength
If radially extending struts are used to support the drain check valve, then structural support is provided, but flow passage obstructions are created
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the structural support function with the flow passage structure. The valve body itself provides both the structural framework and the flow path, eliminating the need for separate supporting struts that would obstruct water flow.
Solution Approach 2:
The flow passage is segmented into distinct sections (inlet passage, outlet passage, and chamber) that are formed by the valve body itself, allowing water to flow through open spaces without encountering obstructing struts while maintaining structural integrity.
3Reliability
If drain check valves are installed at low points in the pipe, then water drainage is prevented, but flooding of crops may still occur from other sources
Solution Approach 1:
The shuttle valve automatically responds to pressure changes without external control. When inlet pressure drops below outlet pressure, the shuttle is pushed by outlet pressure to close the inlet passage, and when inlet pressure rises, the shuttle opens automatically, providing self-regulating drainage prevention.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve uses pressure feedback from both inlet and outlet sides to control its position. The relative pressure difference between inlet and outlet passages provides automatic feedback that moves the shuttle to the appropriate position to maintain proper pressure balance and prevent flooding.
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 effectively prevents water drainage during low pressure conditions, reducing the risk of flooding and maintaining consistent water pressure, while minimizing the risk of debris accumulation and flow obstructions.
Implementation Method 1
a drain check shuttle movable within the housing and the plunger between a first position at which the drain check shuttle closes the flow passage and a second position at which the drain check shuttle opens the flow passage, wherein movement of the drain check shuttle between the first position and the second position is driven by a pressure differential between an inlet pressure and an outlet pressure
Implementation Method 2
The pressure regulator maintains a uniform water pressure flowing to the sprinkler or nozzle. The pressure regulator ensures that the water pressure is within the design range for the sprinkler or nozzle.
Data Source
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AI summary
A pressure regulator includes a housing having an inlet cap with an inlet flow passage and an outlet cap with an outlet flow passage. A plunger is reciprocally mounted in the housing. A stationary regulator valve seat is disposed between the inlet flow passage and an inlet to the plunger. A drain check shuttle is disposed in the inlet cap and positioned downstream of the regulator valve seat to prevent water from draining out of the regulator when an inlet water pressure is below a predetermined threshold.