Adaptive Compressed Air Threshold Control for Vehicle Reservoirs

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing compressed air systems in vehicles fail to adapt efficiently to varying compressed air consumption needs, leading to unnecessary mechanical loading and energy wastage, particularly due to inadequate recognition of user-influenced scenarios with increased air demand.

Innovation Solution

A method where a user-communicated data packet adjusts the lower and upper threshold values for the compressed air system, allowing adaptive compressor operation based on expected consumption, with different modes and priority settings for various air consumers, enabling efficient compressed air generation and minimizing mechanical stress.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the compressor operates continuously to ensure sufficient compressed air supply, then the compressed air availability is improved, but the mechanical wear and energy consumption increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecompressed air availabilityVSAvoidenergy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The control unit receives data packets containing information about future compressed air consumption requirements before these consumption events occur. This allows the system to proactively adjust threshold values and prepare for upcoming demand, ensuring compressed air availability while avoiding unnecessary continuous operation and reducing energy consumption.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically adjusts the upper and lower threshold values for compressed air reservoir pressure based on received data packets. These threshold values are not fixed but adapt in real-time according to predicted consumption patterns, allowing the compressor to operate only when necessary and reducing both mechanical wear and energy consumption while maintaining reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Productivity

If the compressor operates at high pressure to meet peak demand, then the compressed air supply capability is improved, but the mechanical stress on components increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecompressed air supply capabilityVSAvoidmechanical stress
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

By receiving data packets about future compressed air requirements in advance, the control unit can gradually build up pressure in the reservoirs to appropriate levels before peak demand occurs. This prevents the need for high-pressure operation during critical moments while avoiding excessive mechanical stress on compressor and system components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the pressure threshold parameters dynamically based on received information about future consumption patterns. Instead of maintaining fixed high pressure thresholds that cause mechanical stress, the thresholds are adjusted to match actual needs, reducing mechanical stress while maintaining the ability to meet peak demand when it occurs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Ease of operation

If the system uses fixed threshold values for compressed air reservoirs, then the control simplicity is improved, but the adaptability to varying consumption patterns deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol simplicityVSAvoidadaptability to consumption patterns
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The control unit receives data packets that provide feedback information about future compressed air consumption requirements. This feedback mechanism allows the system to automatically adapt threshold values to varying consumption patterns while maintaining simple automated control, eliminating the need for complex manual adjustments or sophisticated prediction algorithms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

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

This approach ensures efficient compressed air generation aligned with future consumption needs, reduces mechanical loading, and conserves energy by dynamically adjusting compressor operation according to user-defined strategies and system conditions.

Implementation Method 1

a compressor (3) is used to generate compressed air in the at least one compressed air reservoir (2a, 2b, 2c, 2d)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCompression: Compression

Data Source

PatentEP3230139B1Method and device for supplying compressed air to a vehicle
Publication Date: 2021.05.12 KNORR BREMSE SYSTEME FUER NUTZFAHIZEUGE GMBH
  • EP3230139B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3

AI summary

The invention relates to a method for operating a compressed air system (1) of a vehicle which is controlled by a user (8), having the following method steps: the energy level in at least one compressed air reservoir (2a; 2b; 2c; 2d) is detected, and the energy level is compared with an upper threshold (13) assigned to the compressed air reservoir (2a; 2b; 2c; 2d) and/or a lower threshold (12) assigned to the compressed air reservoir (2a; 2b; 2c; 2d) by means of an electronic control unit (4), wherein a compressor (3) is used to generate compressed air in the at least one compressed air reservoir (2a; 2b; 2c; 2d) if the energy level falls below the lower threshold (12), and/or the generation of compressed air in the at least one compressed air reservoir (2a; 2b; 2c; 2d) is stopped if the energy level exceeds the upper threshold (13). A compressed air requirement is ascertained by a system (6a; 6b; 6c; 6d) which communicates with the control unit (4) and the user (8), and a data packet which corresponds to the compressed air requirement is transmitted to the control unit (4), the lower and/or upper threshold (12; 13) being adapted by means of the control unit (4) in accordance with the data packet. The invention further relates to a compressed air system (1) which is suitable for carrying out the method.