Integrated RDI Valve Sealing Reliability via Segmented Seat
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional integrated regulator valves (RDIs) for pressurized gas containers face issues with sealing and incorrect expansion due to wear and temperature/pressure-related reliability problems, leading to irreversible damage.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates an axially movable expansion valve within a chamber, cooperating with a valve seat and a sealing element, where the seat element is coaxial with the connecting channel, and a sealing element is placed between the seat and the chamber's internal wall, ensuring effective gas expansion and sealing, with a valve stem and spring mechanism for pressure reduction from high to low pressure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional expansion valve and valve seat are used in integrated regulator valve, then gas expansion function is achieved, but sealing reliability deteriorates over time due to wear and temperature/pressure effects
Solution Approach 1:
The valve seat is separated into two distinct components: a stationary seat element fixed to the valve body and a movable expansion valve. This segmentation allows independent optimization of each component's material properties and wear characteristics, improving overall sealing reliability over time.
Solution Approach 2:
A sealing element is introduced as an intermediary component between the seat element and the first chamber wall. This sealing element acts as a mediator that compensates for wear and dimensional changes in the valve and seat, maintaining reliable sealing under varying temperature and pressure conditions throughout the service life.
2Device complexity
If expansion valve and seat are positioned closely for compact design, then device complexity is reduced, but sealing performance deteriorates due to incorrect expansion
Solution Approach 1:
The seat element is designed with a specific geometric configuration including a centrally positioned gas passage and a peripherally located valve seat. This local differentiation of functions within the seat element enables accurate gas expansion control while maintaining a compact overall valve structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve seat is positioned on the periphery of the inlet port of the gas passage, creating a three-dimensional arrangement where the sealing surface is offset from the central gas flow path. This spatial arrangement ensures correct expansion geometry while keeping the valve body compact.
3Strength
If valve components are made durable for high pressure/temperature operation, then reliability under extreme conditions improves, but wear increases leading to irreversible deterioration
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing element is positioned in advance between the seat element and the chamber wall to preemptively compensate for wear that would occur under high pressure and temperature operation. This pre-positioned sealing element cushions against the harmful effects of wear before they can cause irreversible deterioration of the valve components.
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 configuration enhances the reliability of gas expansion and distribution by maintaining effective sealing and reducing pressure from high to low pressure efficiently, minimizing wear and ensuring consistent performance across varying conditions.
Implementation Method 1
valve spring, the rear part of which crosses the gas passage of the seat element coaxially with the connecting channel
Implementation Method 2
cooperate with a valve seat to operate the expansion of the gas, that is to say to reduce its pressure level from a so-called 'high' pressure or high pressure (HP) to a so-called 'low' pressure or low pressure (LP)
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
The invention relates to an integrated pressure regulator (1) or RDI valve for a pressurized gas vessel, comprising a valve body (2) including a gas circuit (15), gas pressure reduction means (100) including an axially movable pressure relief valve (101) within a first chamber (107) and cooperating with a valve seat (102). A second chamber (109) is located downstream of the first chamber (107) and connected to the first chamber (107) via a connecting channel (110). The seat element (104) includes a gas passage (103) coaxial with the connecting channel (110). The valve seat (102) is arranged on the periphery (103a) of the inlet orifice of the gas passage (103). A pressurized gas container (50) comprising such an integrated regulator valve (1), in particular a gas cylinder, and its use for storing a gas or gas mixture, typically oxygen.