Pressure Regulation Valve With Pressurized Chamber Flow Switching

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing irrigation systems require complex and costly networks of remotely controllable valves to achieve variable flow patterns for sprinklers and nozzles, which is inefficient and expensive.

Innovation Solution

A pressure regulator with a pressurizable chamber that controls water flow by using a shuttle to open or close the flow passage, allowing remote or programmed on-off cycles without the need for additional valves, utilizing a sealed chamber with a pressurization port connected to a source of pressurized fluid.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a complex network of remotely controllable valves is used to achieve variable flow irrigation, then precise control of water flow to each sprinkler and nozzle is improved, but device complexity and cost increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrol of water flowVSAvoidvalve network

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The pressure regulator is designed to perform multiple functions: it not only regulates water pressure but also serves as an on-off valve for variable flow irrigation. The single device integrates both pressure regulation and flow control capabilities, eliminating the need for separate remotely controllable valves for each sprinkler or nozzle.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention combines the pressure regulator with a remotely controllable on-off valve mechanism into a single integrated device. The plunger assembly and shuttle work together within the same housing to provide both continuous pressure regulation and discrete on-off control, merging two previously separate functions into one unit.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Adaptability or versatility

If additional remotely controllable valves are installed for each sprinkler and nozzle, then variable flow control is improved, but installation cost and effort increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevariable flow controlVSAvoidinstallation cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The pressure regulator utilizes its existing internal components (plunger, spring, seals) to provide on-off control functionality without requiring external valves. The system serves itself by using the pressure differential across the regulator to control the shuttle position, eliminating the need for additional externally mounted control valves.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Productivity

If the pressure regulator allows continuous water flow, then water supply to sprinklers is improved, but inability to control flow timing reduces irrigation precision

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewater supplyVSAvoidflow timing control

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The pressure regulator transitions from a static continuous flow device to a dynamic on-off control system. The remotely controllable plunger assembly can move between positions to either allow continuous flow or completely shut off water supply, enabling variable flow patterns and timing control while maintaining the ability to provide full water supply when needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The pressure regulator enables periodic on-off water flow to sprinklers and nozzles through remote control of the plunger assembly. This allows for programmed irrigation cycles where water is supplied during specific time periods and shut off during others, providing precise timing control for variable flow irrigation patterns.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

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

Enables efficient and cost-effective variable flow irrigation by remotely controlling water flow to sprinklers and nozzles, reducing the complexity and expense of valve networks while maintaining uniform water pressure.

Implementation Method 1

A pressure regulator with a pressurizable chamber that controls water flow by using a shuttle to open or close the flow passage

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressure: Pressure Increase

Implementation Method 2

The pressure regulator maintains a uniform water pressure flowing to the sprinkler or nozzle

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressure regulation: Pressure Increase

Data Source

PatentUS11933408B2Multi-function pressure regulation valve

Publication Date: 2024.03.19 NELSON IRRIGATION CORP

AI summary

A flow control device includes a housing with an inlet and an outlet and a flow conduit disposed in the housing. The inlet, the flow conduit, and the outlet define a flow passage. A valve seat is disposed in the housing downstream of the inlet, and a shuttle is movably disposed in the housing and displaceable between a closed position engaging the valve seat to close the flow passage and an open position spaced from the valve seat to open the flow passage. A sealed chamber is defined between the housing and the flow conduit. A port coupled with a source of pressurized fluid communicates with the sealed chamber, where the shuttle is displaceable between the closed position and the open position based on a pressure in the sealed chamber. The threshold water pressure for displacing the flow conduit may be adjustable by modifying the pressure in the sealed chamber.