Pressure Regulator Shutoff Mechanism
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional pressure regulators lack a safety shutoff mechanism to prevent fluid dispersion in case of a leak, posing risks to users and the environment.
Innovation Solution
A pressure regulator design incorporating a pressure control chamber, valve, regulating member, pressure sensor, and resilient shutoff member that closes the valve when the pressure difference between the nominal and control pressures falls below a predetermined threshold, effectively shutting off fluid flow in case of a leak.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a pressure regulator is designed without a shutoff mechanism to maintain simple structure and ease of operation, then device complexity is reduced and ease of operation is improved, but safety reliability deteriorates as the regulator cannot prevent fluid dispersion in case of leaks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the pressure regulation function and shutoff function into a single integrated device. The pressure regulator body includes both a regulating member for pressure control and a shutoff member with sealing surface, allowing the same valve mechanism to perform both continuous pressure regulation and emergency shutoff operations, thereby improving safety without proportionally increasing device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The valve mechanism is designed to serve multiple functions: it can be positioned at intermediate locations for pressure regulation and at extreme positions for complete shutoff. The single valve assembly with its movable valve member can restrict flow partially for pressure control or completely for safety shutoff, making the device multi-functional and improving reliability without adding separate dedicated shutoff components
2Reliability
If a shutoff mechanism is added to the pressure regulator to prevent fluid leakage, then safety reliability is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the shutoff function into the existing pressure regulation structure. The movable valve member that already exists for pressure control is extended to provide a shutoff position where it contacts the shutoff sealing surface. This integration means the shutoff capability is achieved without adding a completely separate shutoff valve or mechanism, thus limiting the increase in device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The valve assembly is designed as a universal component that performs both pressure regulation and shutoff functions. By positioning the valve member at different locations along its travel path, the system achieves continuous pressure control at intermediate positions and complete shutoff at the extreme position, maximizing the functionality of existing components while minimizing additional complexity
3Loss of substance
If the valve is designed to close completely for shutoff, then fluid loss prevention is improved, but ease of operation may deteriorate due to more complex valve mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The same valve mechanism that operators use for routine pressure regulation is also used for shutoff operations. The valve member travels along the same path whether adjusting pressure or achieving shutoff, meaning operators use the same familiar motion and controls for both functions. This universality maintains ease of operation while ensuring complete fluid loss prevention when the valve reaches its shutoff position
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 provides a safe and efficient mechanism to prevent fluid loss due to leaks, reducing environmental damage and operational hazards by integrating pressure regulation and shutoff functions within a single valve.
Implementation Method 1
a resilient shutoff member operatively connected to the valve and to the pressure sensor for closing the valve when the difference between the nominal pressure and the control pressure is below a predetermined threshold value
Data Source
AI summary
A pressure regulator including a body having a body inlet, a body outlet and a fluid passageway defined therebetween for allowing a fluid to be dispensed therethrough, the body further including a pressure control chamber adapted to receive a control fluid at a control pressure; a valve disposed in the fluid passageway for restricting flow of the fluid through the fluid passageway; a regulating member operatively connected to the valve for adjusting the position of the valve so as to maintain the fluid in the fluid passageway at a nominal pressure; a pressure sensor disposed between the control chamber and the fluid passageway for sensing a difference between the nominal pressure and the control pressure; and a resilient shutoff member operatively connected to the valve and the pressure sensor for closing the valve when the difference between the nominal pressure and the control pressure is below a predetermined threshold value.