Pressure Regulator Indexed Adjustment Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing pressure regulators for fluid spraying systems are complex and difficult to adjust, making it challenging to achieve consistent fluid pressure delivery at the outlet.

Innovation Solution

A simplified pressure regulator design featuring a seat body, a movable valve, a membrane, and an adjustment member with multiple holding positions, allowing for fluid pressure adjustment without disassembly, using a spring and sealing mechanisms to control fluid flow between the inlet and outlet.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a traditional pressure regulator structure is used, then pressure regulation function is achieved, but the structure becomes complex and adjustment becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadjustment of fluid pressureVSAvoidstructure of the regulator
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The regulator is divided into distinct functional modules: a body housing, a base with sealing element, and an adjustment member with indexed positions. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently while simplifying the overall adjustment mechanism.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The base is designed to be movable relative to the body along the central axis, allowing dynamic adjustment of the sealing element's position. This dynamic positioning enables variable fluid circulation paths and pressure regulation without requiring complex internal mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple pressure settings are required, then pressure regulation versatility is improved, but the adjustment mechanism becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepressure setting optionsVSAvoidadjustment mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The adjustment member provides multiple discrete positions along the central axis, each corresponding to a different pressure setting. The indexed positioning system allows the base to be easily moved between these positions without complex mechanisms, maintaining simplicity while providing versatility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

Different pressure settings are achieved by changing the position of the base relative to the body, which alters the fluid circulation path and pressure drop characteristics. This parameter-based adjustment (position) directly controls the output pressure without requiring complex internal adjustments.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Ease of operation

If the base is made removable for adjustment, then adjustment flexibility is improved, but assembly complexity and potential leakage increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadjustment accessibilityVSAvoidassembly structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The base is designed to be movable along the central axis while remaining connected to the body, eliminating the need for complete removal. This dynamic connectivity allows adjustment while maintaining a sealed, integrated assembly, reducing both complexity and leakage risk.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The adjustment member acts as an intermediary mechanism that enables base positioning without requiring disassembly. This intermediate component facilitates adjustment while maintaining the integrity of the overall assembly.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 simplifies the structure and adjustment of fluid pressure at the outlet, enabling easy manipulation of pressure settings through a single adjustment member, facilitating precise pressure regulation and reducing complexity in the pressure regulator's assembly and operation.

Implementation Method 1

a spring supporting the diaphragm against the seat body, designed to exert a bearing force on the diaphragm

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSpring force: Spring

Implementation Method 2

when the fluid exerts on the movable valve and the diaphragm a force greater than a first predetermined threshold value

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFluid pressure: Pressure Increase

Data Source

PatentEP3106957B1Pressure regulator and associated spray system
Publication Date: 2020.07.29 EXEL INDUSTRIES
  • EP3106957B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3106957B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3106957B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The pressure regulator according to the invention comprises a device for regulating the pressure of a fluid and a main body with a circumferential wall defining a housing for receiving the regulating device. The regulating device comprises: - a seat body (48), - a valve (50) movable relative to the seat body (48), along a central axis (Z1) of the seat body (48), - a spring (56) for supporting the diaphragm (52) against the seat body (48), adapted to exert a bearing force on the diaphragm (52), and - a fluid pressure adjustment member (58), the adjustment member (58) comprising a base (100) having a contact wall (114) extending radially to the central axis (Z1), the spring (56) being positioned between the diaphragm (52) and the contact wall (114).The adjustment element includes an adjustment piece (102) for the position of the base (100) relative to the seat body (48), this adjustment piece (102) defining at least two positions for holding the base (100) relative to the seat body (48), offset from each other along the central axis (Z1).