Compressed Air Valve Segmentation for Energy Saving
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing compressed air supply systems for commercial vehicles waste energy by opening the discharge valve during energy-saving states, leading to unnecessary pressure loss in the delivery line, and lack measures to conserve compressed air during regeneration phases.
Innovation Solution
The system employs a configuration where the delivery line shut-off valve element is closed during regeneration, and the energy saving control outlet is controlled by the first valve element, allowing the compressor to transition to an energy-saving state, thereby conserving compressed air and reducing energy waste. This setup includes multiple valve elements to manage different operating states, including delivery, regeneration, and idling, ensuring efficient air usage and preventing line freezing at low temperatures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If the discharge valve is opened during energy-saving state, then the compressor can be transferred to energy-saving state, but unnecessary pressure loss occurs in the delivery line
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the valve system into multiple independent valve elements: a first valve element for controlling the discharge valve and a second valve element for controlling the delivery line shut-off valve. This segmentation allows independent control of each valve, enabling the delivery line shut-off valve to remain closed during energy-saving states while the discharge valve is opened, thus preventing compressed air loss in the delivery line while still allowing the compressor to enter energy-saving mode.
2Reliability
If the discharge valve is opened for regeneration, then the filter unit can be regenerated, but compressed air is lost unnecessarily
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the valve control system into independent first and second valve elements, allowing the delivery line shut-off valve to remain closed during regeneration operations while the discharge valve is opened for filter regeneration. This prevents compressed air from being lost in the delivery line during regeneration, maintaining compressed air conservation while enabling necessary maintenance operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a delivery line shut-off valve as an intermediary component between the compressor and the filter unit. This valve acts as a mediator that can isolate the delivery line from the regeneration process, allowing the discharge valve to be opened for filter regeneration without causing compressed air loss in the delivery line. The intermediary valve enables selective control of different system segments during regeneration.
3Use of energy by moving object
If multiple valve elements are added to control different operating states, then energy-saving control is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the control system into two independently controllable valve elements with distinct functions: the first valve element controls the discharge valve for energy-saving and regeneration operations, while the second valve element controls the delivery line shut-off valve for preventing compressed air loss. This functional segmentation provides clear control logic and simplifies the control strategy despite adding hardware components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs the valve elements to perform multiple functions: the first valve element manages both energy-saving discharge control and regeneration operations, while the second valve element provides universal protection against compressed air loss in the delivery line during various operating states. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional specialized components.
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 configuration significantly reduces energy waste by minimizing compressed air loss during regeneration and allows for efficient operation by maintaining compressed air in the delivery line, enhancing the overall energy-saving potential and functionality of the compressed air supply system.
Implementation Method 1
The air flowing through the filter unit at least partially absorbs the moisture in the filter unit
Data Source
AI summary
A compressed air supply system for a utility vehicle includes a compressed air inlet that can be coupled to a compressor, a filter unit that can be coupled to the compressed air inlet via a supply line, a discharge valve element that is coupled to a discharge outlet and the supply line, an energy-saving control outlet that can be coupled to a control inlet of the compressor, a supply line locking valve element interposed between the compressor and the filter unit and a first valve element and a second valve element, the discharge valve element, the energy saving control outlet, the regeneration of the filter unit and the supply line locking valve element being controllable by the valve elements. The energy saving control outlet can be controlled by the first valve element and the discharge valve element and the regeneration of the filter unit can be controlled by the second valve element. The supply line locking valve element is closed during the regeneration phase of the filter unit and can be transferred into an opened switching state when not in the regeneration state and when the discharge valve element is closed and the energy saving control outlet is aerated.