Air Processing Unit With Single Valve Regeneration Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing air processing units in both internal-combustion-engine and autonomous, connected, electric vehicles require pneumatic signals for controlling compressors, which are unnecessary for electronically controlled compressors, leading to inefficiencies and increased costs.
Innovation Solution
A cost-effective air processing unit designed for electronically controlled compressors, utilizing a single electrically controlled valve for controlling the regeneration phase, eliminating the need for pneumatic control signals and optimizing system components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a dedicated pneumatic control valve is used to control the compressor governor and purge valve, then the compressor can be controlled pneumatically, but the system complexity and cost increase due to additional pneumatic components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional pneumatic control system (governor with pneumatic signals) with an electronically controlled compressor system. The electronic control unit receives control signals and directly actuates the compressor and purge valve electronically, eliminating the need for pneumatic governors and control lines. This substitution reduces system complexity while maintaining control reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and removes the dedicated pneumatic control valve and governor components from the system. By using electronic control, the pneumatic control pathway is completely eliminated, simplifying the overall system architecture and reducing the number of pneumatic components required.
2Ease of operation
If multiple electrically controlled valves are used for controlling return flow and purge operations, then precise control during regeneration phase is achieved, but the system cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a single electrically controlled valve that performs multiple functions: controlling the return flow during regeneration phase and managing purge operations. This multi-functional valve eliminates the need for separate dedicated valves for each function, reducing component count and manufacturing cost while maintaining precise control capability through electronic actuation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the control functions of return flow management and purge valve operation into a single electrically controlled valve. By combining these functions and controlling them through a unified electronic control unit, the system reduces the number of components while achieving precise control during the regeneration phase.
3Adaptability or versatility
If pneumatic control signals are used for compressor control, then traditional ICE vehicle systems are compatible, but electronically controlled compressors in ACE vehicles cannot utilize electronic control signals
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces pneumatic control signals with electronic control signals for compressor operation. The electronic control unit processes electronic commands and directly controls the electronically controlled compressor, eliminating the need for pneumatic governors and control lines. This enables full compatibility with ACE vehicle architectures while reducing system complexity.
4Reliability
If a traditional air processing unit with pneumatic control is used, then compressor control is achieved, but cost-effectiveness is reduced due to unnecessary pneumatic components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes unnecessary pneumatic control components (governors, pneumatic control valves, control lines) from the air processing unit. By retaining only the essential air drying functionality and implementing electronic control for compressor and purge valve management, the system achieves full air processing functionality at a lower cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes electronic control mechanisms for traditional pneumatic control components in the air processing unit. The electronic control unit manages compressor operation and purge valve actuation electronically, eliminating the need for expensive pneumatic control infrastructure while maintaining reliable air processing functionality.
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
The solution provides a cost-effective and efficient air processing system by reducing the need for pneumatic control, optimizing compressor operation, and enhancing system reliability through electrically controlled valve management.
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
Implementation Method 2
the air drying unit is configured to dry the compressed air received via the inlet port
Implementation Method 3
an electrically controlled valve (120) that is arranged between a first section (116.1) of the return pneumatic line (116) that is connected to the supply port (2) and a second section (116.2) of the return pneumatic line (116) that is connected to the air drying unit (104)
Data Source
AI summary
An air processing unit for providing compressed air to a supply port for use in a pneumatic system with a pneumatic unit pneumatically connected to the supply port. The air processing unit comprises an inlet port for receiving the compressed air from an electrically controlled compressed air supply. An air drying unit having an input port pneumatically connected to the inlet port and configured to dry the compressed air received, a supply line configured to supply dried compressed air, a return flow control unit comprising an electrically controlled valve are also included in the air processing unit. The electrically controlled valve is provided as a single and only electrically controlled valve of the return flow control unit.