Pressure Reducing Valve Shut-Off Using Hydraulic Pilot Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Pressure reducing valves for devices like sprinkler systems require both pressure regulation and electrically controllable on/off switching functionality, which existing solutions fail to provide efficiently and compactly.
Innovation Solution
A pressure reducing valve with a shut-off function, featuring a valve assembly, a displaceable throttling element, a spring, a control chamber, and a switchable hydraulic control circuit that can be electrically actuated between two states, utilizing a three-port or two-port pilot valve to equalize pressures and control flow, with a labyrinth flow restriction and filter configuration for efficient pressure regulation and sealing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a pressure reducing valve is designed to provide both pressure regulation and electrically controllable on/off switching functionality, then the versatility and functionality of the valve is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines pressure reduction and on/off switching functions into a single integrated valve body. The pilot valve system merges the pressure regulation mechanism with the shut-off mechanism, allowing both functions to be controlled through a unified structure rather than requiring separate valves or complex control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve is designed to perform multiple functions: continuous pressure reduction, complete shut-off, and electrically controlled switching. The single valve assembly can operate in different modes (pressure reduction mode and shut-off mode) based on pilot valve signals, providing universal functionality for various application requirements.
2Volume of moving object
If a compact pressure reducing valve with shut-off function is designed, then the valve size and space requirement are reduced, but the reliability of pressure regulation and sealing may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The pilot valve is integrated within the main valve body, with control chambers and flow paths nested within each other. The pilot valve uses the main valve's internal geometry and existing seals, eliminating the need for separate external control components and reducing overall valve size while maintaining functional integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing surfaces are specifically designed with localized high-precision machining in critical sealing zones. The valve seat and disc contact surfaces have enhanced surface finish and geometric precision only where required for sealing, while other parts of the valve can have standard tolerances, maintaining reliability without increasing overall complexity or size.
3Ease of operation
If a switchable hydraulic control circuit is integrated into the pressure reducing valve, then the ease of operation and remote control capability are improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The valve uses a hydraulic pilot control system where a small amount of process fluid is used to control the main valve operation. The pilot valve receives electrical signals and converts them to hydraulic actions that control the main valve's pressure reduction and shut-off functions, enabling remote electrical control without requiring complex external hydraulic systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The pilot valve acts as an intermediary between the electrical control signal and the main valve's hydraulic pressure system. It translates electrical commands into hydraulic pressure changes that actuate the main valve, providing a simple interface between different control domains without requiring complex direct-acting electromagnetic actuators on the main valve.
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 compact, efficient pressure regulation and reliable shut-off functionality, allowing for remote control and minimizing leakage, while maintaining structural simplicity and cost-effectiveness.
Implementation Method 1
a spring acting to displace the displaceable throttling element to the fully-open position
Implementation Method 2
pressure within the control chamber acts to displace the displaceable throttling element against the spring towards the closed position
Implementation Method 3
a switchable hydraulic control circuit in fluid connection with the inlet, the outlet and the control chamber, the switchable hydraulic control circuit assuming: (i) a first state in which a pressure within the control chamber is equalized with an outlet pressure, and (ii) a second state in which the pressure within the control chamber is equalized with an inlet pressure
Data Source
AI summary
A pressure reducing valve (IOO) includes a displaceable throttling element (51) displaceable between a fully-open position in which fluid flows along a flow path from an inlet (11) to an outlet (45), and a closed position in which the flow path is blocked. A spring (6) acts to displace the displaceable throttling element to the fully-open position while pressure within a control chamber (54) acts on a pressure-actuated surface to displace the displaceable throttling element towards the closed position. A switchable hydraulic control circuit in fluid connection with the inlet, the outlet and the control chamber, is switchable between first state in which a pressure within the control chamber is equalized with the outlet pressure, and a second state in which the pressure within the control chamber is equalized with an inlet pressure.