Smart Reset Relief Valve Impact Force Reduction
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pressure relief valves suffer from high impact forces during rapid opening, leading to internal component damage and unintended resetting due to rebounding actions, which results in wear and failure over time.
Innovation Solution
A smart reset pressure relief valve with a piston and transducer assembly that includes a pressure sensor and hydraulic fluid flow path to monitor and control pressure, utilizing a crank assembly and pivotally interconnected link members to manage piston movement and prevent rebound forces, allowing continuous monitoring and data transmission to a computer for analysis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If the pressure relief valve opens rapidly to relieve overpressure, then the response speed is improved, but high impact forces are imposed on the piston and internal components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies beforehand cushioning by introducing a cushioning chamber and cushioning hole that allow fluid to flow into the cushioning chamber during valve opening, creating a cushioning effect that reduces impact forces on the piston before the valve fully opens. This pre-cushioning mechanism mitigates the harmful impact forces while maintaining rapid valve response.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses an intermediary approach by introducing a cushioning fluid (typically oil) into the cushioning chamber through the cushioning hole. This intermediary fluid acts as a mediator between the high-pressure working fluid and the piston, absorbing impact energy and reducing the direct impact forces on the piston and internal components during rapid valve opening.
2Force
If rubber cushion members are used to attenuate impact forces, then the impact attenuation is improved, but rebounding occurs that promotes unintended resetting of the valve
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the rebounding problem by removing the rubber cushion member that caused the issue and replacing it with a fluid-based cushioning system. The cushioning chamber and cushioning hole create a controlled fluid flow path that provides impact attenuation without the elastic rebound characteristics of rubber materials, thereby preventing unintended valve resetting.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies hydraulics by using a fluid-filled cushioning chamber instead of elastic rubber materials. The hydraulic cushioning system provides controlled damping through fluid flow resistance in the cushioning hole, eliminating the rebounding effect that occurs with elastomeric materials while maintaining reliable valve operation and preventing false resetting.
3Loss of information
If computer monitoring and control systems are added to the valve, then the monitoring capability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing the control system to perform multiple functions: monitoring pressure, detecting valve position, recording operating data, and providing diagnostic information all through an integrated microprocessor-based controller. This multi-functional approach consolidates what could be multiple separate systems into a single unit, reducing the overall complexity increase while enhancing monitoring capabilities.
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 valve effectively reduces impact forces and prevents unintended resetting, ensuring safe operation by continuously monitoring pressure and impact forces, and allowing for controlled operation to prevent damage, thereby extending the lifespan of the valve and system components.
Implementation Method 1
a pressure sensor in fluid communication with the chambers for sensing ambient pressure
Implementation Method 2
a transducer in line with the ambient pressure to record and monitor valve characteristics
Implementation Method 3
routing the fluid through ports or apertures in a manner to reduce impact forces. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,715,861 to Williams shows a fluid flow path whereby the subject fluid flows above the piston to equalize pressure
Data Source
AI summary
A reset relief valve with a body having an inlet port, an outlet port, and an interior wall partially defining an enclosed chamber, a piston disposed in the body and moveable between a first position at which the piston is disposed in fluid flow-blocking relationship between the inlet port and the outlet port of the body and a second position at which the piston is removed from that position, a piston having a head with opposed end surfaces one of which defines a portion of the enclosed chamber and at least one fluid flow passageway extending through the head and providing fluid communication between the enclosed chamber in the body, and a second chamber above a moveable disc in the piston and a pressure sensor in fluid communication with the fluid in the chambers. A preferred embodiment includes data acquisition software for monitoring data and storing pressure and other data to control the operation of the valve.