Multi-channel gas distribution apparatus

By using a modular design and closed-loop feedback control multi-channel gas distribution device, the problems of low control accuracy and poor scalability of traditional devices are solved, achieving high-precision, low-maintenance gas distribution, which is suitable for high-precision test scenarios.

CN224339915UActive Publication Date: 2026-06-09ANHUI MARLER AUTOMATION TECH CO LTD

Patent Information

Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Utility models(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
ANHUI MARLER AUTOMATION TECH CO LTD
Filing Date
2025-04-16
Publication Date
2026-06-09

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing gas distribution devices have low control precision, complex maintenance, and poor expandability. When distributing gas in multiple channels, pressure fluctuations can easily lead to uneven distribution, affecting the reliability of test results.

Method used

The modularly designed multi-channel gas distribution device includes a modular solenoid valve assembly, a gas control module, and a central control unit. It achieves high-precision airflow control and flexible expansion through quick-connect gas interface and closed-loop feedback control.

Benefits of technology

It improves gas distribution accuracy to ±3%FS, reduces maintenance costs, supports online expansion of the number of channels, and ensures the stability and reliability of test results.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

The utility model discloses multi -passageway gas distribution device belongs to gas distribution technical field, this multi -passageway gas distribution device, including the assembly solenoid valve group, gas control module, pipeline accessory module and central control unit, and the communication connection between the assembly solenoid valve group, gas control module and central control unit is established, and the assembly solenoid valve group includes multichannel solenoid valve and gas branch, gas control module, gas control module includes the electromagnetic regulating valve of installation in the inside of gas branch, the FSM / FCM module of configuration in gas branch and feedback unit, central control unit, central control unit is used to receive the instruction of preset host computer's issue, and will instruct distribution to the assembly solenoid valve group and gas control module, the utility model discloses through modularization FFBM valve group and realizes 3 / 5 passageway nimble configuration, and the closed -loop control technology of FSM / FCM module is combined, and helium distribution precision is promoted to ±3%FS.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of gas distribution technology, and in particular to a multi-channel gas distribution device. Background Technology

[0002] In cryogenic valve testing scenarios, different operating conditions need to be simulated using high-purity gases (such as helium).

[0003] Traditional gas distribution devices have the following problems:

[0004] Existing gas distribution devices suffer from low control accuracy (typically with errors exceeding ±5%FS), complex maintenance, and poor scalability. Traditional equipment employs a fixed pipeline design, making the replacement of vulnerable parts difficult, and lacks closed-loop feedback regulation, making it difficult to meet the requirements of high-precision testing. Furthermore, pressure fluctuations during multi-channel gas distribution can easily lead to uneven distribution, affecting the reliability of test results.

[0005] Therefore, there is an urgent need for a modular, high-precision gas distribution device that supports multi-channel expansion. Utility Model Content

[0006] The technical problem this invention aims to solve is to overcome the problems of low control accuracy (typically with an error exceeding ±5%FS), complex maintenance, and poor expandability in existing gas distribution devices. Traditional equipment uses a fixed pipeline design, making it difficult to replace vulnerable parts and lacking closed-loop feedback regulation, thus failing to meet the requirements of high-precision testing. Furthermore, multi-channel gas distribution is prone to uneven distribution due to pressure fluctuations, affecting the reliability of test results. Therefore, this invention provides a multi-channel gas distribution device.

[0007] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, the present invention adopts a technical solution as follows: providing a multi-channel gas distribution device, including a containerized solenoid valve group, a gas control module, a pipeline accessory module and a central control unit, wherein the containerized solenoid valve group, the gas control module and the central control unit are all connected by communication.

[0008] The solenoid valve assembly includes a multi-way solenoid valve and gas branches. The solenoid valve assembly is used to receive instructions from the central control unit, and to quickly open and close the multi-way solenoid valve to accurately control the on-off sequence of the airflow in each gas branch, and to distribute the input gas source to the designated gas branch as needed.

[0009] The gas control module includes an electromagnetic regulating valve installed inside the gas branch, an FSM / FCM module configured in the gas branch, and a feedback unit. The gas control module is used to dynamically adjust the valve opening of the electromagnetic regulating valve according to the instructions issued by the central control unit, and to control the gas source flow rate or output pressure entering the gas branch.

[0010] The central control unit is used to receive preset instructions from the host computer and distribute the instructions to the solenoid valve group and the gas control module, and synchronously coordinate the on / off timing of the solenoid valve group and the adjustment action of the FSM / FCM module to ensure multi-channel collaborative operation.

[0011] The present invention is further configured such that: the number of gas branches in the containerized solenoid valve group is multiple, and all of the multiple gas branches adopt quick-connect gas line interfaces, supporting online addition and deletion of the number of channels.

[0012] The present invention is further configured such that: the feedback unit in the gas control module includes a PID controller and an integrated pressure sensor built into the gas branch, and the control accuracy of the PID controller is ±3%FS;

[0013] The integrated pressure sensor is used to monitor the branch output parameters in real time and feed the data back to the central control unit. The algorithm of the PID controller corrects the action of the electromagnetic regulating valve, forming a closed-loop control circuit to ensure stability.

[0014] The present invention is further configured such that the gas source introduced into the gas control module is helium with a concentration of 99.9% or higher, and the pressure of the introduced helium is ≤100KPa.

[0015] The present invention is further configured such that the strength of the command signal received by the electromagnetic regulating valve in the gas control module from the host computer in the central control unit is 4-20mA.

[0016] The present invention is further configured such that the FSM module or FCM module in the gas control module is connected to the gas branch through a compression fitting.

[0017] This utility model is further configured such that: the pipeline accessory module includes color-coded pipelines and QR code labels disposed on the outside of the color-coded pipelines; each gas branch has a pipeline accessory module at both its input and output ends. Scanning the code allows access to installation parameters and maintenance records.

[0018] The beneficial effects of this utility model are as follows:

[0019] 1. This utility model achieves flexible 3 / 5-channel configuration through modular FFBM valve assemblies, and improves helium distribution accuracy to ±3%FS by combining closed-loop control technology of FSM / FCM modules. The quick-release structure and standardized interface design significantly reduce maintenance costs, making it suitable for high-precision cryogenic valve testing scenarios. Attached Figure Description

[0020] Figure 1 This is a block diagram of the overall structure of this utility model;

[0021] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the gas path of the three-channel gas distribution device of this utility model;

[0022] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the gas path of the multi-channel gas distribution device of this utility model;

[0023] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the control logic of the three-channel gas distribution device of this utility model;

[0024] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the control logic of the multi-channel gas distribution device of this utility model.

[0025] In the diagram: 1. Containerized solenoid valve assembly; 2. Gas control module; 3. Pipeline accessory module; 4. Central control unit. Detailed Implementation

[0026] The preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, so that the advantages and features of the present invention can be more easily understood by those skilled in the art, thereby making a clearer and more definite definition of the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0027] Please see Figures 1-5 A multi-channel gas distribution device includes a containerized solenoid valve group 1, a gas control module 2, a pipeline accessory module 3, and a central control unit 4. Communication connections are established between the containerized solenoid valve group 1, the gas control module 2, and the central control unit 4.

[0028] The solenoid valve assembly 1, abbreviated as FFBM module, includes a multi-way solenoid valve and gas branches. The solenoid valve assembly 1 is used to receive commands from the central control unit 4, and to quickly open and close the multi-way solenoid valve to precisely control the on-off sequence of airflow in each gas branch, and to distribute the input gas source to the designated gas branch as needed. Preferably, the solenoid valve assembly 1 supports a standardized splicing design (e.g., through the combination of 3-channel or 5-channel modules), and the number of channels can be flexibly increased or decreased to meet the needs of different test scenarios (such as multi-station synchronous testing of cryogenic valves).

[0029] Gas control module 2 includes an electromagnetic regulating valve installed inside the gas branch, an FSM / FCM module configured in the gas branch, and a feedback unit. Gas control module 2 is used to dynamically adjust the valve opening of the electromagnetic regulating valve according to the instructions issued by the central control unit 4, and to control the gas source flow or output pressure entering the gas branch.

[0030] The central control unit 4 is used to receive preset instructions from the host computer and distribute the instructions to the solenoid valve group 1 and the gas control module 2. It synchronously coordinates the on / off timing of the solenoid valve group 1 and the adjustment action of the FSM / FCM module to ensure multi-channel collaborative operation. The central control unit 4 integrates an RS485 / Modbus communication interface to support multi-module collaborative control.

[0031] Among them, the number of gas branches in the container solenoid valve group 1 is multiple, and all gas branches adopt quick-connect gas line interfaces, which support online addition and deletion of the number of channels.

[0032] The technical significance of using quick-connect gas circuit interfaces in multiple gas branch circuits is as follows:

[0033] Quick connection / disconnection: The gas line interface adopts a tool-free quick-connect design (such as snap-on or self-locking connectors), which can complete the sealing connection or disconnection of the gas line by simply plugging and unplugging, without the need for traditional threaded fastening or welding processes.

[0034] Sealing and compatibility: The interface has a built-in one-way valve or sealing ring, which automatically forms an airtight passage when plugged in and automatically closes the air port when disconnected to prevent gas leakage; the standardized interface design ensures air circuit compatibility between different modules.

[0035] The practical function of designing a quick-connect pneumatic interface is as follows:

[0036] (1) Reduce installation / maintenance time (e.g., replacing a single solenoid control valve takes only a few seconds);

[0037] (2) Avoid pipe wear or seal failure caused by repeated disassembly;

[0038] (3) Supports quick operation for non-professionals, reducing the maintenance threshold;

[0039] The specific meanings of the number of channels that can be added or deleted online are as follows:

[0040] FFBM manifolds are assembled from independent pneumatic modules (such as single-channel or three-channel units). Each module is connected to adjacent modules via quick-connect interfaces to form a complete pneumatic network.

[0041] Online hot-swap: While the system is running (without stopping or depressurizing), new modules can be directly inserted or faulty modules can be removed. The system automatically recognizes the new channel and updates the control logic synchronously.

[0042] The practical benefits of supporting online addition and deletion of channel numbers:

[0043] Dynamic expansion capability: The number of channels can be flexibly adjusted by adding or removing modules according to testing needs (e.g., expanding from 3 channels to 5 channels).

[0044] Rapid fault repair: Faulty modules can be isolated and replaced individually without interrupting the normal operation of other channels;

[0045] Adaptable to multiple scenarios: For example, in the testing of cryogenic valves, additional channels can be added temporarily to support parallel testing at multiple workstations.

[0046] Among them, the feedback unit in the gas control module 2 includes a PID controller built into the gas branch and an integrated pressure sensor. The control accuracy of the PID controller is ±3%FS.

[0047] An integrated pressure sensor is used to monitor the branch output parameters in real time and feed the data back to the central control unit 4. The PID controller algorithm corrects the electromagnetic regulating valve action to form a closed-loop control circuit and ensure stability.

[0048] The gas source introduced into the gas control module 2 is helium with a concentration of 99.9% or higher, and the pressure of the introduced helium is ≤100KPa.

[0049] Among them, the electromagnetic regulating valve in the gas control module 2 receives a command signal from the host computer in the central control unit 4 with a strength of 4-20mA.

[0050] In the gas control module 2, the FSM module or FCM module is connected to the gas branch via a compression fitting.

[0051] The pipeline accessory module 3 includes color-coded pipelines and QR code labels placed on the outside of the color-coded pipelines. Each gas branch has a pipeline accessory module 3 at both the input and output ends. Scanning the code can obtain installation parameters and maintenance records.

[0052] The pipeline is made of high-purity 316L stainless steel with polished inner walls to reduce residual gas contamination; the sealing structure (such as fluororubber O-rings) ensures that high-purity gas is transmitted without leakage.

[0053] Example 1 (Three-channel configuration):

[0054] 1. Connect the helium source to the FFBM-3 manifold valve assembly and select the target gas branch via the host computer;

[0055] 2. Gas enters the FSM module, which adjusts the opening of the solenoid regulating valve according to the set pressure (≤100kPa). The integrated pressure sensor feeds the data back to the central control unit 4.

[0056] 3. The central control unit 4 compares the set value with the feedback value and outputs a correction signal through the algorithm of the PID controller to achieve dynamic balance;

[0057] 4. Abnormal pressure triggers an alarm, and the electromagnetic regulating valve automatically cuts off the gas path.

[0058] Example 2 (Five-channel expansion):

[0059] 1. By adding an FFBM-2 module to the FFBM-3, the total number of channels is expanded to 5;

[0060] 2. A new FCM module is added and connected in parallel with the original system, and the central control unit 4 coordinates the work of multiple modules.

Claims

1. A multi-channel gas distribution device, characterized in that: It includes a containerized solenoid valve assembly (1), a gas control module (2), a pipeline accessory module (3), and a central control unit (4), and communication connections are established between the containerized solenoid valve assembly (1), the gas control module (2), and the central control unit (4); The solenoid valve assembly (1) includes a multi-way solenoid valve and a gas branch. The solenoid valve assembly (1) is used to receive instructions from the central control unit (4), and to quickly open and close the multi-way solenoid valve to accurately control the on-off sequence of the airflow in each gas branch, and to distribute the input gas source to the designated gas branch as needed. Gas control module (2), the gas control module (2) includes an electromagnetic regulating valve installed inside the gas branch, an FSM / FCM module and a feedback unit configured in the gas branch, the gas control module (2) is used to dynamically adjust the valve opening of the electromagnetic regulating valve according to the instructions issued by the central control unit (4), and control the gas source flow or output pressure entering the gas branch; The central control unit (4) is used to receive preset instructions from the host computer and distribute the instructions to the container solenoid valve group (1) and the gas control module (2), and synchronously coordinate the on and off timing of the container solenoid valve group (1) and the adjustment action of the FSM / FCM module to ensure multi-channel collaborative operation.

2. The multi-channel gas distribution device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The gas branch in the container solenoid valve group (1) has multiple sets, and all sets of gas branches adopt quick-connect gas line interfaces, which support online addition and deletion of the number of channels.

3. The multi-channel gas distribution device according to claim 2, characterized in that: The feedback unit in the gas control module (2) includes a PID controller and an integrated pressure sensor built into the gas branch. The control accuracy of the PID controller is ±3%FS. The integrated pressure sensor is used to monitor the branch output parameters in real time and feed the data back to the central control unit (4). The electromagnetic regulating valve action is corrected by the algorithm of the PID controller to form a closed-loop control circuit and ensure stability.

4. The multi-channel gas distribution device according to claim 3, characterized in that: The gas source introduced into the gas control module (2) is helium with a concentration of 99.9% or higher, and the pressure of the introduced helium is ≤100KPa.

5. The multi-channel gas distribution device according to claim 4, characterized in that: The electromagnetic regulating valve in the gas control module (2) receives a command signal from the host computer in the central control unit (4) with a strength of 4-20mA.

6. The multi-channel gas distribution device according to claim 5, characterized in that: The FSM module or FCM module in the gas control module (2) is connected to the gas branch through a compression fitting.

7. The multi-channel gas distribution device according to claim 6, characterized in that: The pipeline accessory module (3) includes color-coded pipelines and QR code labels set on the outside of the color-coded pipelines. Each gas branch has a pipeline accessory module (3) at both the input and output ends. Scanning the code can obtain installation parameters and maintenance records.