Pressure Regulating Valve Return Flow Structure for Leak Containment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pressure regulating valves face challenges in preventing leakage of ultra-high pressure working liquids from the abutment portions, despite the use of seals, particularly between the body and valve seat unit.
Innovation Solution
The pressure regulating valve incorporates a piston valve body that closes or opens the surplus liquid discharge path based on pressure levels, with a valve seat seal and return flow paths to direct leaked liquid back into the surplus liquid discharge path, utilizing a metal seal structure without additional O-rings, and includes separate return flow paths to manage leaks from both the valve seat and guide hole seals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a seal is provided on the abutment portion to prevent liquid leakage, then sealing performance is improved, but leakage still occurs under ultra-high pressure conditions
Solution Approach 1:
A return flow path is introduced as an intermediary channel between the pressure regulating chamber and the surplus liquid discharge path. This mediator allows leaked liquid to be redirected back into the discharge path, preventing external leakage while maintaining the simplicity of the seal structure between body and valve seat unit.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention converts the harmful effect of seal leakage into a beneficial outcome by directing the leaked liquid through the return flow path back to the surplus liquid discharge path. The leaked liquid, which would otherwise cause external contamination, is now safely redirected to the intended discharge destination.
2Reliability
If multiple seals are added to prevent leakage, then sealing reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of adding more seals, the invention introduces a return flow path as a mediator that redirects leaked liquid. This approach maintains sealing reliability by providing an alternative flow path while avoiding the complexity of multiple seal components.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts the sealing function from the traditional multi-seal approach and relocates it to the return flow path mechanism. By taking out the need for multiple seals and replacing them with a flow redirection system, complexity is reduced while reliability is maintained.
3Reliability
If high-pressure seals are used to prevent leakage, then sealing performance under ultra-high pressure is improved, but manufacturing difficulty and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention accepts that standard seals will leak under ultra-high pressure but converts this harmful leakage into a beneficial feature by redirecting it through the return flow path. This eliminates the need for difficult-to-manufacture high-pressure seals while maintaining effective leakage prevention.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses standard, easily manufacturable seals that may leak under ultra-high pressure, but compensates for this by providing a return flow path. This approach replaces expensive, difficult-to-manufacture high-pressure seals with cheaper, standard components that are easier to produce and replace.
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
This design effectively suppresses external leakage of working liquid by redirecting leaks through integrated return flow paths, ensuring reliable sealing and reducing the need for high-pressure seals, thus maintaining pressure regulation and minimizing seal replacement frequency.
Implementation Method 1
A valve seat seal (8) sealing between the body (1) and the valve seat unit (2) in a liquid-tight manner is provided between the body (1) and the valve seat unit (2) in the attachment hole (1d)
Implementation Method 2
a first return flow path (L10) connecting the return flow path opening (L10a) and the surplus liquid discharge path (L) are formed in the valve seat unit (2)
Implementation Method 3
the piston valve body (3) is configured to sit on the valve seat unit (2) to close an opening (La) of the surplus liquid discharge path (L) when the pressure of the working liquid is equal to or lower than a set pressure and separate from the valve seat unit (2) to open the opening (La) when the pressure of the working liquid exceeds the set pressure
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
A pressure regulating valve (100) includes a body (1) forming a pressure regulating chamber (10), a valve seat unit (2) forming a surplus liquid discharge path (L) for discharging a working liquid in the pressure regulating chamber (10), and a piston valve body (3) configured to open and close an opening (La). A valve seat seal (8) sealing between the body (1) and the valve seat unit (2) in a liquid-tight manner is provided between them. A return flow path opening (L10a) provided in an outer peripheral surface of the valve seat unit (2) and a return flow path (L10) connecting the return flow path opening (L10a) and the surplus liquid discharge path (L) are formed in the valve seat unit (2). The valve seat seal (8) is disposed between the return flow path opening (L10a) and the pressure regulating chamber (10).