Compact Valve Device for High-Pressure Blowing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing valve devices for high-pressure blow molding machines are bulky due to the distribution of valves over the circumference of the valve carrier, leading to a large structural footprint.

Innovation Solution

A compact valve device design where all valves are housed in a single valve housing with elongated housing recesses aligned parallel to the mounting surface, minimizing the number of channels and allowing for exact positioning, and featuring a modular construction with a single working connection to the valve carrier, which reduces dead space and allows for efficient pneumatic control.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If valves are distributed over the circumference of the valve carrier, then each valve can be individually positioned, but the structural unit becomes bulky and occupies large space

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveindividual valve positioningVSAvoidstructural footprint
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple valves are merged into a single integrated valve housing instead of being distributed separately on the valve carrier. The valve housing contains all valves in a compact arrangement, reducing the overall structural footprint while maintaining individual valve functionality and positioning capabilities through internal configuration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple channels are formed in the valve housing and valve carrier for each valve, then each valve can be independently controlled, but the device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveindependent valve controlVSAvoidnumber of channels
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The valve housing employs a universal working chamber that serves all valves simultaneously. Instead of creating separate channels for each valve, a single multi-functional working chamber is designed that can supply working air to multiple valves, reducing channel complexity while maintaining independent valve control through separate control connections.

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

3Area of stationary object

If a compact valve housing design is used, then space efficiency is improved, but the dead space volume within the housing may increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespace efficiencyVSAvoiddead space volume
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The valve housing is designed with locally optimized chamber configurations where the working chamber geometry is specifically tailored to minimize dead space. Each region of the housing is configured with appropriate dimensions and orientations to reduce unnecessary volume while maintaining compact overall dimensions, ensuring efficient air distribution without excessive dead space.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

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 compact design enables a more space-efficient integration with the valve carrier, minimizing the structural unit's size while maintaining precise pneumatic control and efficient operation, allowing for shorter switching times and reduced overall size.

Implementation Method 1

an elongate valve spool is accommodated in a displaceably mounted manner by means of the application of compressed air

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPneumatic actuation: Pressure Gradient

Implementation Method 2

A fluid line coming from a pressure source is connected to one interface, while a fluid line leading to an actuating device is connected to the other interface

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFluid flow through channel: Pressure Gradient

Data Source

PatentEP2347887B1Valve device
Publication Date: 2013.09.25 FESTO AG & CO KG
  • EP2347887B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2347887B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2347887B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

In a valve assembly for a high-pressure blowing unit of a blowing machine for the production of blown hollow bodies, comprising at least one valve (11) which can be mounted on a mounting surface (63) of a valve carrier (61) belonging to the blowing unit in such a way that at least one valve outlet (68) of the valve (11) can be coupled via at least one working channel formed in the valve carrier (61) to a blowing nozzle also belonging to the blowing unit for pneumatic actuation, the valve assembly has several valves, all of which are housed in a common valve housing (12) equipped with a mounting surface (65) for mounting on the mounting surface formed on the valve carrier (61) in such a way that several elongated housing recesses (16) are formed in the valve housing (12), in each of which an elongated valve slide (29) is slidably mounted by means of compressed air.