Vacuum-Actuated Pressure Relief Valve for Compressor Surge

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing pressure relief valves in systems with moving parts face issues such as noise, vibration, reverse flow, sticking, leakage, and component wear, leading to potential system overpressure and valve failure, particularly in supercharged or turbocharged engines where compressor surge can damage components.

Innovation Solution

A pressure relief valve (PRV) is designed with a vacuum-actuated mechanism that uses split rings and a coil spring to provide rapid pressure relief by increasing the fluid escape area and minimizing friction resistance, located between the compressor and throttle body to prevent compressor surge, and can recirculate air to maintain system stability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional pressure relief valves are used with moving parts, then pressure relief function is provided, but noise, vibration, and component wear occur leading to valve failure

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevalve reliabilityVSAvoidnoise, vibration, component wear

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent removes all moving parts from the valve mechanism. The poppet is held stationary against the seat by a spring, and pressure relief is achieved by varying the spring pressure rather than moving the poppet. This extraction of moving parts eliminates noise, vibration, and wear associated with traditional valve operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the traditional mechanical moving valve mechanism with a static poppet design controlled by spring pressure. Instead of mechanically opening and closing the valve, the system uses spring force modulation to control fluid flow through the stationary poppet, eliminating mechanical wear and noise.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If pressure relief valve opens at predetermined pressure, then system protection from overpressure is provided, but reverse flow and leakage occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepressure control reliabilityVSAvoidreverse flow, leakage

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent eliminates the movable components that cause reverse flow and leakage by using a stationary poppet design. The valve closes by increasing spring pressure on the stationary poppet rather than mechanically returning a moving part, preventing leakage and reverse flow issues.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Reliability

If traditional valve design is used, then pressure relief is provided, but component wear leads to eventual failure

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevalve service lifeVSAvoidmoving parts

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent removes all moving parts from the valve assembly, including the traditional moving poppet and spring mechanism. The stationary poppet design with adjustable spring pressure provides pressure relief without any components that can wear, dramatically extending service life and eliminating maintenance requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

4Reliability

If pressure relief valve is used in supercharged or turbocharged engines, then compressor surge prevention is needed, but existing valves cause compressor surge damage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecompressor protectionVSAvoidcompressor surge

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent eliminates moving parts that cause vibration and instability in the pressure relief process. The stationary poppet with adjustable spring pressure provides smooth, controlled pressure relief that prevents compressor surge in supercharged or turbocharged engines, protecting compressor bearings and shafts from damage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

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 PRV effectively prevents compressor surge by rapidly releasing pressure, reducing the risk of component damage and maintaining system stability with minimal friction resistance and a larger fluid escape area compared to conventional valves, ensuring reliable operation and extended component life.

Implementation Method 1

A pressure relief valve (PRV) is designed with a vacuum-actuated mechanism that uses split rings and a coil spring to provide rapid pressure relief

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSpring: Spring

Implementation Method 2

A pressure relief valve (PRV) is designed with a vacuum-actuated mechanism that uses split rings and a coil spring to provide rapid pressure relief

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressure differential: Pressure Gradient

Data Source

PatentUS11149867B1Pressure relief valve

Publication Date: 2021.10.19 VORTECH ENGINEERING LLC

AI summary

A valve apparatus includes a base member having a hollow support element extending from the base member. A housing is attached to the hollow support element, and the housing includes at least one aperture. A moveable element is located within the housing and is slideably attached to the hollow support element. The hollow support element allows the moveable element to selectively travel toward and away from the base member.