Pressure Regulator Seat Assembly for Laminar Flow and Debris Wear

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing pressure regulators in sprinkler irrigation systems fail to maintain consistent water distribution due to varying water pressures, leading to uneven water discharge, and are prone to wear and failure from debris in the water source.

Innovation Solution

A pressure regulator seat assembly with a flange and base forming a chamber, featuring projections to separate fluid flow into laminar paths, reducing turbulence and wear, and using a unitary or separable seat body and base design for enhanced durability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If water flows through a conventional pressure regulator seat, then pressure regulation is achieved, but turbulence and debris cause wear and failure

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveregulator durabilityVSAvoiddebris wear and turbulence

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The flow path is segmented into multiple separate paths by projections extending into the chamber. Instead of a single flow path that creates turbulence and debris accumulation, the fluid is divided into several laminar flow paths that reduce wear and improve reliability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Projections are introduced as intermediary elements into the flow chamber. These projections act as mediators that guide and separate the fluid flow, creating laminar flow paths that reduce the harmful effects of turbulence and debris impact on the regulator components

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If a single flow path is used in the pressure regulator, then the structure is simple, but turbulence increases causing wear

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveseat durabilityVSAvoidflow path structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The single flow path is segmented into multiple laminar flow paths by adding projections. This segmentation increases reliability by reducing turbulence and wear, while the complexity increase is minimal since the projections are simple structural additions to the existing seat design

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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 ensures consistent water distribution by minimizing turbulence and wear, maintaining pressure stability, and preventing failure from debris, enhancing the hydraulic efficiency and longevity of the regulator.

Implementation Method 1

separate the flow of fluid into the at least two flow paths

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLaminar flow: Laminar Flow

Data Source

PatentUS20260044161A1Pressure regulator

Publication Date: 2026.02.12 HUNTER AGRICULTURE INC

AI summary

Disclosed is a pressure regulator seat that includes a seat body and a base. The seat body can include a flange that extends radially from an upstream edge of the seat body. In some configurations the pressure regulator includes a first projection disposed on an upstream surface of the flange and that extends in an upstream direction so as to separate a flow of fluid flowing in a downstream direction into at least two flow paths. In some configurations, a throttling seat is disposed on a downstream surface of the flange and has a second projection. The flange and the base can form a chamber therebetween. The at least two flow paths can enter the chamber. In some configurations, the second projection can extend in the downstream direction and into the chamber.