Valve Position Indicator Assembly for Compact Pressure Regulators
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional pressure regulators require disassembly of multiple parts for maintenance and repair, which is complex and time-consuming, and lack a compact design suitable for large line sizes due to heavy flanges and multiple components.
Innovation Solution
A compact fluid regulator design featuring a single-cast valve body with a dual-piston actuator assembly and removable internal components, allowing access through the inlet or outlet for simplified assembly and maintenance, and utilizing a stem with varying diameters for alignment and fluid communication between chambers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional pressure regulators use multiple parts with mounting flanges and flange bolts, then the regulator can maintain internal pressure effectively, but the assembly and disassembly process becomes complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple separate components (valve body parts, mounting flanges, flange bolts) into a single integrated valve body structure. The valve body is formed as one piece with integrated mounting surfaces and internal passages, eliminating the need for separate flanges and bolts while maintaining pressure containment integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the regulator into a valve body and a separately removable actuator assembly. The actuator assembly can be detached from the valve body without disassembling the valve body itself, allowing maintenance of internal components while preserving the integrated pressure-containing structure.
2Ease of repair
If conventional pressure regulators use multiple parts that must be disassembled, then access to internal components is possible, but the maintenance process becomes complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The actuator assembly is designed as a separate removable unit that can be detached from the integrated valve body. This segmentation allows the actuator and its internal components to be accessed, removed, or replaced without disassembling the valve body or using multiple fasteners, significantly reducing maintenance time and complexity.
3Strength
If conventional pressure regulators use heavy flanges and multiple components, then the regulator can maintain structural integrity, but the overall size and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate structural elements (flanges, bolts, valve body sections) into a single integrated valve body. This merger eliminates the weight of redundant fastening components while maintaining structural integrity through the monolithic design and integrated mounting surfaces.
4Reliability
If conventional pressure regulators use multiple parts and heavy flanges, then the regulator can function effectively, but the design is not compact and suitable for large line sizes
Solution Approach 1:
The integration of the valve body with built-in mounting surfaces and internal passages eliminates the need for external flanges and multiple components. This creates a compact, space-efficient design that maintains full pressure regulation functionality while reducing overall regulator size, making it suitable for large line sizes where space is constrained.
Data Source
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AI summary
A regulator includes a valve body and a control element movable between a closed position, in which the control element engages a valve seat, and an open position, in which the control element is spaced away from the valve seat. A stem is operatively coupled to the control element and is axially aligned with a longitudinal axis of the valve body. An indicator assembly is at least partially disposed in the valve body and is operatively coupled to the stem. The indicator assembly includes a rod operatively coupled to the stem and an indicator operatively coupled to the rod. The indicator is arranged to display a position of the control element. The rod of the indicator assembly is movable by the stem between a first position when the control element is in the closed position, and a second position when the control element is in the open position.