Air Dryer Return Flow Control With a Single Electrically Controlled Valve
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing air processing units for pneumatic systems in vehicles, both internal-combustion-engine (ICE) and autonomous, connected, electric (ACE) vehicles, require costly pneumatic control systems for electronically controlled compressors, which are unnecessary for electronically controlled compressors.
Innovation Solution
Designing an air processing unit with a single electrically controlled valve for controlling the regeneration phase, eliminating the need for pneumatic control signals and optimizing costs by removing solenoid valves, and integrating a multi-circuit protection valve for safe pressure management in multiple circuit systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a dedicated pneumatic control valve is used to control the compressor, then the compressor can be controlled pneumatically, but the system complexity and cost increase due to additional valves and pneumatic control lines
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and removes the dedicated pneumatic control valve (solenoid valve) from the system. Since electronically controlled compressors can be controlled directly by electronic signals from the control unit, the pneumatic control valve and its associated control lines are eliminated, reducing system complexity while maintaining compressor control functionality through electronic means
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces the mechanical/pneumatic control system with an electronic control system. The electronic control unit directly controls the electronically controlled compressor and the electrically controlled valve through electronic signals, eliminating the need for pneumatic control signals and mechanical valves, thereby simplifying the overall system
2Ease of operation
If multiple electrically controlled valves are used for controlling return flow and purge functions, then precise control is achieved, but the cost and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges multiple control functions into a single electrically controlled valve. The valve is controlled by the electronic control unit to perform both return flow control and purge functions by receiving different electronic control signals at different times, eliminating the need for separate valves for each function and reducing overall system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The electrically controlled valve is designed with multi-functionality, serving as a universal control element that can perform different functions (return flow control, purge control) based on the control signals received from the electronic control unit, thereby reducing the total number of valves needed in the system
3Ease of operation
If pneumatic control signals are provided to the compressor, then the compressor operation can be controlled, but the cost increases due to additional pneumatic components
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces pneumatic control signals with electronic control signals for compressor operation. The electronic control unit sends electronic signals directly to the electronically controlled compressor, eliminating the need for pneumatic control lines, solenoid valves, and other pneumatic components, thereby reducing system cost while maintaining full compressor control capability
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
Provides a cost-effective solution for electronically controlled compressors by eliminating pneumatic control signals and integrating a multi-circuit protection valve, ensuring efficient and safe operation in vehicles.
Implementation Method 1
an air drying unit (104) that includes an input port (106) that is pneumatically connected to the inlet port (1), and wherein the air drying unit is configured to dry the compressed air received via the inlet port (1)
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention relates to an air processing unit (100) for providing compressed air to a supply port (2), in particular for use in a pneumatic system (1000) with a pneumatic unit (138) pneumatically connected to the supply port (2), preferably wherein the pneumatic system (1000) is adapted for a vehicle (1100), the air processing unit (100) comprising: - an inlet port (1) for receiving the compressed air (102), in particular from an electrically controlled compressed air supply (101); - an air drying unit (104) having an input port (106) pneumatically connected to the inlet port (1) and configured to dry the compressed air (102) received, and - a supply line (115) configured to exchange, in particular supply, dried compressed air (108) between the air drying unit (104) and the supply port (2) and a return pneumatic line (116, 116.1, 116.2) configured to exchange, in particular return, compressed air (108) of the supply port (2) to the air drying unit (104), in particular from the supply line (115) to the air drying unit (104), wherein - a return flow control unit (118) comprises the electrically controlled valve (120) and is arranged and configured to enable, during the regeneration phase (R), a flow (122) of the returned compressed air, in dependence of an electric control signal (S), from the return pneumatic line (116) via the electrically controlled valve (120) and via the supply line (115) and the air drying unit (104) to the pneumatic exhaust line (113); According to the invention it is provided that - the electrically controlled valve (120) is provided as a single and only electrically controlled valve of the return flow control unit (118).