Air Compressor Pressure Control with Time-Based Adaptive Adjustment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Users face difficulties in properly setting and adjusting the mode of air compressors to match the operating conditions, leading to inefficient compression, increased wear on components, and reduced durability due to high pressure settings, and insufficient air supply when settings are too low.

Innovation Solution

An air compressor with a control unit that adjusts the motor start and stop pressure values based on detected pressure changes and usage conditions, reducing the driving time and load on the motor and tank units, and optimizing pressure levels to balance efficiency and durability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If the use mode is set to a higher pressure mode to ensure sufficient compressed air supply, then the compressed air availability is improved, but the compression efficiency deteriorates and the motor unit operates longer with increased wear

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecompressed air supplyVSAvoidcompression efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making the pressure values (motor start pressure value and motor stop pressure value) changeable over time rather than fixed. The control unit automatically adjusts these pressure values based on the elapsed time since the last motor stop, allowing the system to adapt pressure settings dynamically. This resolves the contradiction by enabling the system to operate at lower pressures when possible (improving efficiency) while ensuring sufficient air supply is maintained through time-based pressure adjustments.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Stability of the object's composition

If the use mode is set to a higher pressure mode to maintain tank pressure, then the compressed air reservoir is improved, but the motor unit driving time is extended and noise increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetank pressureVSAvoidmotor unit driving time
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSDuration of action of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the motor start and stop pressure values based on elapsed time. The control unit automatically changes these pressure parameters according to a predetermined time schedule, allowing the system to maintain adequate tank pressure while reducing motor operating time. This resolves the contradiction by dynamically adjusting pressure parameters to balance tank pressure stability with reduced motor runtime and noise.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Quantity of substance

If the use mode is set to a higher pressure mode to ensure air supply, then the compressed air availability is improved, but high pressure load increases wear on components and reduces durability

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecompressed air supplyVSAvoidcomponent durability
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by implementing time-based automatic adjustment of pressure values. The control unit changes the motor start and stop pressure values based on elapsed time since the last motor stop, enabling the system to reduce pressure loads on components over time. This resolves the contradiction by dynamically lowering pressure settings after initial charging, ensuring sufficient air supply during operation while reducing high-pressure wear on the motor unit, tank, and compressor components, thereby improving durability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

4Adaptability or versatility

If multiple mode settings are provided to match different work conditions, then the adaptability is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to difficulty in selecting the proper mode

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemode selection flexibilityVSAvoidmode setting convenience
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies self-service by implementing automatic mode adjustment functionality. The control unit automatically changes the motor start and stop pressure values based on elapsed time without requiring user intervention. This resolves the contradiction by eliminating the need for users to manually select appropriate modes for different work conditions - the system automatically adapts its pressure settings over time, maintaining adaptability while significantly improving ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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 solution reduces energy consumption, noise, and wear on components by dynamically adjusting pressure settings, ensuring sufficient air supply while maintaining optimal operating conditions and extending the lifespan of the compressor.

Implementation Method 1

a pressure detection unit that detects a pressure value in the tank unit

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPressure detection: Pressure Gradient

Implementation Method 2

a motor unit that generates compressed air to be stored in the tank unit

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCompression: Compression

Data Source

PatentEP3779191B1Air compressor
Publication Date: 2023.06.07 MAX CO LTD
  • EP3779191B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3779191B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3779191B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An air compressor includes a tank unit that stores compressed air, a motor unit that generates compressed air to be stored in the tank unit, a pressure detection unit that detects a pressure value in the tank unit, and a control unit that drives the motor unit when a pressure value in the tank unit detected by the pressure detection unit is equal to or less than a motor start pressure value, and stops the motor unit when the pressure value in the tank unit detected by the pressure detection unit is equal to or greater than a motor stop pressure value. The control unit changes at least either of the motor start pressure value or the motor stop pressure value every time when a predetermined time passed.