Integrated Pressure Regulator Venting for Downstream Overpressure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional gas filling and withdrawing devices, particularly for gaseous hydrogen, face challenges with leaks due to downstream overpressure, which can damage equipment and compromise safety, especially in vehicles transporting people.
Innovation Solution
A pressure regulator with a discharging valve configured to divert excess pressure to a leakage circuit, featuring a movable piston and biasing members to manage pressure between high and low pressure chambers, ensuring safe and compact operation, and a safety system for manual reset in case of pressure drops indicating leaks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional pressure regulator is used without an integrated discharging valve, then the device complexity is reduced, but downstream overpressure can occur causing leaks and equipment damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the pressure regulation function and the overpressure protection function into a single integrated device. The discharging valve is built into the pressure regulator body, eliminating the need for a separate safety valve component. This merging approach maintains safety functionality while reducing overall system complexity and component count.
Solution Approach 2:
The pressure regulator is designed to perform multiple functions: normal pressure regulation through the main valve mechanism, and overpressure protection through the integrated discharging valve. This multi-functionality allows a single device to handle both routine operation and safety-critical scenarios, improving reliability without requiring additional dedicated safety components.
2Reliability
If a separate safety valve is added to the filling and withdrawing device, then protection against downstream overpressure is improved, but the device complexity and number of components increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of adding a separate safety valve as an independent component, the patent integrates the discharging valve directly into the pressure regulator assembly. This merging eliminates the need for additional standalone safety valve components, reducing the overall component count while maintaining the protective function.
Solution Approach 2:
The intermediate chamber serves as a mediator between the high-pressure and low-pressure sides of the system. The discharging valve uses this intermediate chamber to safely vent overpressure conditions without requiring direct connection between high and low pressure zones, enabling protection functionality while simplifying the overall system architecture.
3Weight of stationary object
If the pressure regulator is designed to be compact, then the weight and volume are reduced, but the integration of safety features becomes more challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The discharging valve mechanism is nested within the existing pressure regulator body structure. The valve rod, discharging flap, and associated components are arranged concentrically and integrated into the regulator's internal geometry. This nesting approach minimizes the overall volume and weight while ensuring all safety features are properly incorporated.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the intermediate chamber dimension to accommodate the discharging valve functionality without increasing the external footprint of the regulator. By creating a third spatial dimension (the intermediate chamber between high and low pressure zones), the design achieves compactness while integrating complex safety features.
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 mitigates the risk of leaks and equipment damage by managing overpressure and providing a safe, compact, and reliable pressure regulation system for gas expansion and filling/withdrawing operations, ensuring the safety of both equipment and personnel.
Implementation Method 1
a movable piston forming a regulating part on which the gas from the low pressure chamber press on one side and a first biasing member press on the other side
Implementation Method 2
a discharging valve configured for a discharge towards a leakage circuit in the event of downstream overpressure
Implementation Method 3
a first biasing member press on the other side
Data Source
AI summary
A pressure regulator includes a downstream body delimiting a low pressure chamber; an upstream body delimiting a high pressure chamber and carrying an expansion seat; a movable piston having an inner channel having an upper end forming a discharging seat and a lower end opening onto an intermediate chamber connected to a leakage circuit; a tubular valve rod passing through the inner channel of the piston and an inner channel of the upstream body, having an upper end forming a discharging valve and a lower end forming a regulating flap suitable for bearing on the expansion seat; a first biasing member compressed between the piston and the upstream body by biasing the piston towards the downstream body; and a second biasing member compressed between the piston and a plate secured to the valve rod, biasing the rod in the direction of pressing the discharging valve against the discharging seat.