Regulator

摘要

A regulator (108) comprising a first chamber (132), and second chamber (134) and an actuator (130). The second chamber (134) is coupled to the first chamber (132) through an aperture (156). The actuator (130) is arranged to the adjust the size of the aperture (156) according to a pressure differential between fluid pressure in the first chamber (132) and a pressure reference (36). The rate of change of the cross sectional area of the aperture (156) is arranged to have a non-linear response to a change in the pressure differential.

主权项

1. A regulator comprising:
a first chamber; a second chamber separated from the first chamber by a wall including a slot between the chambers, the slot having a tapered, non-linear configuration within the wall, extending from a first, enlarged end in a portion of the wall toward the first chamber, to a narrow end in a portion of the wall toward the second chamber; a housing containing the first and second chambers; a diaphragm coupled to the housing and separating the first chamber from a pressure reference; and a sliding barrier coupled to the diaphragm and arranged to partially occlude the slot as the diaphragm moves, the slot and barrier defining an aperture between the chambers; wherein the diaphragm is arranged to move in response to a change in the differential pressure across the diaphragm and to adjust the size of the aperture; and wherein the shape of the slot is chosen such that the rate of change of the cross sectional area of the aperture is arranged to have a non-linear response to a change in the pressure differential and in the response to the distance traveled by the diaphragm.