Compact Air Compressor Layout for Independent Machine Tools
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing machine tool systems with centralized air compressors incur high installation costs, power waste, and productivity losses due to the need for extensive piping and valves, as well as interruptions when a compressor malfunctions.
Innovation Solution
A compact air compressor system is installed individually for each machine tool, featuring a BLDC motor and auxiliary air tank, with a vibration attenuating device to minimize pipe length, reduce unnecessary valves, and allow for easy maintenance and continuous operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a centralized air compressor system with multiple compressor bodies and a single compressed air tank is used, then compressed air can be supplied to multiple machine tools, but installation costs increase due to extensive piping and valves
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the centralized air compressor system into multiple independent compact air compressor units, each installed at individual machine tools. This segmentation eliminates the need for extensive piping and valves connecting a central tank to multiple machines, while still providing compressed air supply capability to all required locations.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a large-capacity air compressor is used to supply compressed air to multiple machine tools with different air requirements, then all machine tools can receive compressed air, but power waste occurs due to over-compression
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements local air compression by installing compact air compressor units at each machine tool location. Each unit compresses air only to the extent required by its specific machine tool, eliminating the energy waste associated with over-compression that occurs when a large-capacity compressor supplies air to multiple machines with different requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using excessive compression capacity to meet the maximum demand of all machines, the patent employs multiple smaller compressors that each provide partial compression capacity matched to individual machine requirements, thereby avoiding the energy waste of producing more compressed air than needed.
3Device complexity
If a single large-capacity air compressor serves multiple machine tools, then compressed air supply is centralized, but productivity decreases when the compressor malfunctions or requires maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the air compression function across multiple independent units distributed at different machine tool locations. This segmentation creates system redundancy where malfunction or maintenance of one compressor unit does not affect the operation of other machines, thereby maintaining productivity and operation continuity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the system configuration from a single centralized compressor to multiple distributed compressors, fundamentally altering the operational parameters. This allows individual compressors to be taken offline for maintenance or repair while others continue operating, preventing complete system shutdown and maintaining productivity.
4Adaptability or versatility
If extensive piping and multiple valves are installed to connect a centralized air compressor to multiple machine tools, then compressed air can be distributed system-wide, but installation costs and maintenance complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the extensive piping and valve infrastructure from the centralized air compression system. By distributing compact compressors directly at machine tool locations, the system eliminates the need for complex piping networks, reducing installation costs and simplifying the overall system while maintaining compressed air distribution 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
This solution reduces installation costs, power waste, and ensures uninterrupted machine tool operation by providing compressed air directly to each tool, while the vibration attenuating device minimizes noise and vibration impact.
Implementation Method 1
a vibration attenuating device 70 may be installed beneath the auxiliary air tank 40
Implementation Method 2
the vibration attenuating device 70 is configured to include an elastic member 71 contacting the lower portion of the auxiliary air tank 40
Data Source
AI summary
A machine tool system including a compact air compressor configuring a compact air compressor C includes: an auxiliary air tank 40; and an air compressor body 30 connected with the auxiliary air tank 40, wherein the air compressor body 30 and the auxiliary air tank 40 are individually installed in a machine tool 20.