Spring Relief Valve Load-Cell Sensing for Set Pressure and Lift
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional spring-operated pressure relief valves face challenges in accurately determining and adjusting the set pressure and crack pressure, as well as measuring valve lift, due to the complexity and cost of existing measurement systems that require multiple components and rely on auditory signals or undetectable small movements at low pressures.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a load cell to measure the force exerted by the main spring, allowing for the determination of set pressure, crack pressure, and valve lift by calculating the compression distance using Hooke's law, and enabling continuous monitoring and adjustment of the valve's state without complex structural arrangements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional measurement systems are used to determine set pressure and crack pressure, then measurement capability is provided, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the measurement function from complex conventional systems and implements it using a single load cell that directly measures spring force. The load cell is integrated into the spring assembly, eliminating the need for separate measurement devices and reducing overall system complexity while maintaining measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical measurement systems with a straightforward force measurement approach using a load cell. Instead of using multiple components and auditory signal detection, the system directly measures the mechanical force exerted by the spring on the disc assembly, simplifying the measurement mechanism.
2Reliability
If auditory signals are used to detect valve opening, then measurement is possible, but measurement precision deteriorates at low pressures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces auditory signal detection with direct mechanical force measurement using a load cell. The load cell continuously measures the force exerted by the spring, providing precise detection of valve opening events regardless of pressure level. This eliminates the limitation of auditory detection at low pressures where crack pressure occurs.
3Measurement precision
If multiple components are used for measurement, then measurement capability is provided, but ease of manufacture decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the measurement function into the existing spring-disc assembly by integrating a single load cell. Instead of adding multiple separate measurement components, the load cell is incorporated into the spring mechanism itself, simplifying assembly and manufacturing while enabling valve lift measurement through direct force measurement.
Solution Approach 2:
The load cell serves multiple functions: it measures spring force for set pressure determination, detects valve opening events for crack pressure identification, and enables valve lift measurement. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate measurement systems, reducing assembly complexity and improving ease of manufacture.
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 solution provides an automated and cost-effective method for setting and monitoring the set pressure of spring-operated relief valves, enabling precise control and reducing the reliance on auditory signals or complex measurement systems, while allowing for continuous monitoring of valve operation and fluid relief capacity.
Implementation Method 1
determination of set pressure, crack pressure, and valve lift by calculating the compression distance using Hooke's law
Data Source
AI summary
A spring-operated relief valve can include an adjustable main spring to bias the valve closed and a load cell that is configured to measure a force exerted by the main spring. Measurements from the load cell can be used to determine a set or crack pressure in the spring-operated relief valve, and to monitor operation of the spring-operated relief valve.