Central Pneumatic Actuation for Passenger Car Air Motors
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional passenger vehicle actuators rely on electric motors, which increase cost, require complex electronic control systems, have a heavier and more complex structure, and incur higher maintenance costs, while vehicle-mounted air supply units like air compressors and air tanks have limited usage frequency and underutilized functions.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing a central air source, comprising an air compressor, air tank, and air usage module, with distribution valves and pressure regulating valves, to drive air motors that replace electric motors, enabling simpler control and shared use across multiple actuators.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If electric motors are used to drive actuators, then the actuators can perform their functions reliably, but the vehicle cost increases and the structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces electric motors with pneumatic actuators that use compressed air from the existing air supply system. The air compressor generates high-pressure air stored in air tanks, which is then distributed through pneumatic valves to drive various actuators. This eliminates the need for multiple electric motors and their associated complex electronic control systems, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining reliable actuation functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal pneumatic power system that can drive multiple different actuators (window lifters, trunk openers, seat adjusters, etc.) using a single centralized air supply infrastructure. Instead of having dedicated electric motors for each actuator, the system uses a multi-functional pneumatic distribution network controlled by a central controller, simplifying the overall vehicle architecture.
2Ease of operation
If electric motors are equipped with complex electronic control systems, then precise control is achieved, but maintenance costs increase and structure becomes heavier
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex electronic motor control systems with simpler pneumatic valve control. The air compressor and storage tanks provide a readily available power source, and pneumatic valves can be controlled by the vehicle's existing electronic systems or simple mechanical switches. This reduces maintenance requirements as pneumatic systems have fewer moving parts and no brushes or windings to wear out compared to electric motors.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple electric motors are installed for different actuators, then each actuator can operate independently, but the vehicle cost and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a shared pneumatic power system where a single air compressor and set of air tanks serve multiple actuators throughout the vehicle. Each actuator receives pressurized air through the pneumatic distribution system and can be independently controlled by opening or closing specific pneumatic valves. This eliminates the need for multiple heavy electric motors while maintaining independent actuator operation capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges multiple separate power sources (individual electric motors for each actuator) into a single centralized pneumatic power system. The air compressor, air tanks, and pneumatic distribution network are combined into one integrated system that serves all actuators, reducing total system weight and component count while preserving functional independence through valve control.
4Power
If air compressors and air tanks are used, then the air supply function is provided, but the usage frequency is limited and functions are underutilized
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the underutilized air supply system into a multi-functional pneumatic power platform that can drive numerous actuators throughout the vehicle including windows, trunk, seats, mirrors, and other accessories. By creating multiple pneumatic outlets and control valves distributed throughout the vehicle, the system increases usage frequency as different actuators can be operated at different times, fully utilizing the compressed air storage capacity.
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
Reduces operational and maintenance costs, simplifies structure, enhances air supply unit utilization, and supports both manual and automatic actuator operations, contributing to vehicle lightweighting and cost-effectiveness.
Implementation Method 1
an air compressor... The high-pressure air generated by the operation of the air compressor
Implementation Method 2
The first distribution valve group is in pneumatic communication with a plurality of air motors, and the plurality of air motors are used to drive an on-board execution module to work
Implementation Method 3
air regulated by the pressure regulating valve is introduced into the corresponding air motor to achieve the regulation of the rotational speed and torque of the air motor
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides a system using a central air source to drive a passenger car air motor, which comprises an air compressor, an air tank and an air consumption module. The air compressor is respectively in pneumatic communication with the air tank and the air consumption module through a distribution valve group and supplies air to them. The distribution valves are in pneumatic communication with several air motors, which are used to drive the on-board execution module to work. The present disclosure replaces the power source used to drive the actuator from common electric motor with an air motor, and uses the on-board air supply unit to supply air to the air motor.