Compressed Air Blower Integrated Valve Design

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing compressed air blow guns are complex and prone to accelerated degradation due to cluttered component parts and the need to actuate overpressure valves against compressed air pressure, leading to difficult and uncontrolled air expulsion.

Innovation Solution

A simplified design featuring a tubular sleeve within the upstream duct for sealing, reducing machining complexity and using a closure member with a beveled edge for easy operation, allowing air to flow without opposing the compressed air pressure.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple valve components are added to control air passage, then air flow control capability is improved, but device complexity increases and manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveair flow control capabilityVSAvoidcomponent parts clutter
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the functions of multiple valves into a single integrated valve assembly. The main valve body incorporates both the primary air passage control mechanism and the overpressure relief function within one component structure, eliminating the need for separate valve components and reducing overall device complexity while maintaining full air flow control capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The integrated valve assembly performs multiple functions simultaneously: it controls the main air passage, provides overpressure relief, and manages air flow distribution. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate specialized components, reducing the number of parts while maintaining comprehensive air flow control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If overpressure valve is actuated against compressed air pressure, then air passage can be blocked in overpressure events, but part degradation accelerates and reliability decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoverpressure protectionVSAvoidcomponent lifespan
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of actuating the overpressure valve against the compressed air pressure (which causes wear), the design allows the overpressure condition itself to automatically open the valve. The valve is biased closed during normal operation but automatically opens when overpressure occurs, eliminating the need for forceful actuation against pressure and reducing component degradation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The overpressure valve operates autonomously based on pressure conditions. When overpressure occurs, the valve automatically opens without requiring external actuation mechanisms, and automatically closes when pressure normalizes. This self-acting mechanism eliminates wear from forced actuation while maintaining reliable overpressure protection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Productivity

If three or four air passage channels are machined in the body, then air flow paths are established, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveair flow capabilityVSAvoidmachining complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The air passage system is divided into modular sections with standardized channel configurations. The valve assembly incorporates pre-formed air passages that can be integrated into the main body through simplified connection interfaces, reducing the need for complex multi-channel machining in the main body while maintaining full air flow capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

4Reliability

If valve opening is done against compressed air pressure, then air passage can be sealed, but sudden difficult opening occurs and gradual controlled air expulsion is not possible

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveair passage sealingVSAvoidair expulsion control
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The valve incorporates a progressive opening mechanism that allows gradual movement from the closed to open position. The valve stem and seating arrangement enable controlled opening where the valve can be partially opened to allow gradual air flow, rather than forcing a sudden complete opening against compressed air pressure. This dynamic control capability maintains reliable sealing when closed while enabling smooth, controlled air expulsion during operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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

Simplifies manufacturing, reduces wear, and enables controlled and gradual air expulsion without requiring significant operator effort, extending the blow gun's lifespan and improving usability.

Implementation Method 1

the closure member, in the closed position, is adapted to close an orifice of the air passage by forming with the sleeve a sealed contact

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSealing:

Implementation Method 2

means for returning the trigger to its released configuration

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElastic return: Elastic Recovery

Data Source

PatentEP2926912B1Compressed-air blower
Publication Date: 2017.09.06 STAUBLI FAVERGES SA
  • EP2926912B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2926912B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2926912B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

This compressed air blow gun (1) comprises a body (2), having an upstream conduit (20b) which extends along a first axis (X20b) and a downstream air ejection conduit (20a), and a hole (22), which extends along a second axis (Y22), a closing member (16), which is movable in translation inside the hole between a closed position and an open position, a trigger (4) which is manipulable between a released configuration, where it maintains the closing member in the closed position and a blowing configuration, and means (8) for returning the trigger to its released configuration. This blow gun further includes a tubular sleeve (14), which is immobilized inside the upstream conduit (20b), which extends parallel to the first axis (X20b) and which delimits an air passage while the closing member (16) in the closed position is adapted to seal an orifice of the air passage by forming a tight contact with the sleeve.