Solenoid-Regulated Fluid Valve for Zero-Demand Pressure Buildup
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Solution Overview
Problem
In fluid distribution systems, excessive piping pressure occurs when there is zero demand for fluid, leading to inefficiencies due to the continued supply of fluid by the regulator until a pressure signal is received, exceeding the pipe volume and causing pressure buildup.
Innovation Solution
A solenoid valve is integrated into the fluid regulator assembly, which responds to zero demand signals by reducing fluid flow from the regulator, preventing excessive pressure by limiting the fluid volume entering the piping system until a pressure signal is received.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the fluid regulator continues to supply fluid after the shutoff valve closes, then the regulator maintains its pressure regulation function, but excessive piping pressure builds up because the fluid volume exceeds pipe capacity
Solution Approach 1:
The solenoid valve performs preliminary action by closing upstream of the regulator before the regulator responds to downstream pressure changes. This anticipatory closure prevents excessive fluid from entering the piping system, thereby avoiding pressure buildup while allowing the regulator to maintain its pressure regulation function.
Solution Approach 2:
The solenoid valve acts as an intermediary component between the control system and the fluid regulator. It mediates the fluid flow by providing an additional control point upstream, allowing the system to prevent excessive pressure without compromising the regulator's pressure regulation capability.
2Stress or pressure
If the solenoid valve closes immediately upon receiving zero demand signal, then excessive piping pressure is prevented, but the fluid regulator cannot mechanically respond to the pressure change
Solution Approach 1:
The solenoid valve performs preliminary action by closing upstream of the regulator before the regulator responds to downstream pressure changes. This anticipatory closure prevents excessive fluid from entering the piping system, thereby avoiding pressure buildup while allowing the regulator to maintain its pressure regulation function.
3Productivity
If a traditional shutoff valve is used downstream of the regulator, then fluid flow is stopped at zero demand, but excessive pressure builds up during the regulator's response delay
Solution Approach 1:
The system is segmented into two control stages: the solenoid valve provides immediate upstream closure, and the traditional shutoff valve provides downstream closure. This segmentation allows the solenoid valve to prevent pressure buildup during the regulator's response delay, while the shutoff valve maintains fluid flow control when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The solenoid valve performs preliminary action by closing upstream of the regulator before the regulator responds to downstream pressure changes. This anticipatory closure prevents excessive fluid from entering the piping system, thereby avoiding pressure buildup while allowing the regulator to maintain its pressure regulation function.
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 solenoid valve effectively reduces excessive piping pressure by limiting fluid flow during zero demand conditions, ensuring the fluid volume does not exceed pipe capacity, thereby preventing pressure buildup and improving system efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a solenoid valve carried by the regulator body
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 3A~4
AI summary
An assembly for reducing excess piping pressure in a fluid distribution system. The assembly includes a fluid regulator (212) including a body (304) defining an inlet (316), an outlet (320), and a fluid passageway (324) between the inlet (316) and the outlet (320), a first control element (332) movable relative to a valve seat (329) in the fluid passageway (324) to control fluid flow therethrough, a valve stem (336) coupled to the first control element (332), and an actuator assembly (312) operatively coupled to the valve stem (336) to control a position of the first control element (332). The assembly also includes a solenoid valve (222) coupled to the fluid regulator (212) at a position upstream of the outlet (320), the solenoid valve (222) adapted to receive a control signal (226) indicative of zero demand downstream of the fluid regulator (212), and having a second control element (512) that is movable, responsive to the control signal (226), from a first position to a second position to reduce fluid flowing through the fluid passageway (324).