Compressed Air Venting Control for Noise Reduction

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional compressed air treatment systems in vehicles produce high noise levels during the shutdown process due to venting, which is not effectively mitigated without dual-circuit systems with air recirculation.

Innovation Solution

A control device that step-wise controls the venting process by switching off and on the valve device at predetermined pressure values, using measured or preset data to manage the pressure drop, thereby reducing sound pressure levels without increasing venting time.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If continuous venting is performed during shutdown, then pressure is reduced efficiently, but sound pressure level increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepressure reduction speedVSAvoidsound pressure level
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies periodic action by switching the venting process between active and inactive states in cycles. The control device alternates between opening and closing the venting valve, creating periodic venting pulses that maintain pressure reduction while limiting continuous high-level noise emission during shutdown

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

2Object-affected harmful factors

If venting is switched off completely, then noise is eliminated, but pressure reduction is delayed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenoise levelVSAvoidventing time
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the continuous venting process into multiple discrete phases or pulses. By dividing the venting operation into sequential segments with controlled duration and intensity, the system achieves pressure reduction over time while allowing noise to decrease between segments, balancing both time and noise considerations

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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 solution achieves a complete pressure reduction through multiple partial vents, maintaining sound pressure within a desired range and reducing noise levels during the venting process.

Implementation Method 1

the pressure chamber is under a pressure originating from the ventilation of the valve device and/or the at least one compressed air consumer when it is in a pressurized state and is greater than atmospheric pressure

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPressure differential: Pressure Gradient

Implementation Method 2

switching a 3/2-way valve on and off in conjunction with a solenoid valve control

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic actuation: Electromagnet

Data Source

PatentEP3322624B1Method and device for controlling quiet compressed-air treatment
Publication Date: 2019.09.11 KNORR BREMSE SYSTEME FUER NUTZFAHIZEUGE GMBH
  • EP3322624B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3322624B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a device and a method for controlling an air treatment system in a vehicle, wherein a valve device is controlled for the stepwise deactivation of a ventilation process in response to an attainment of predetermined pressure values and for the respective reactivation of the ventilation process after a predetermined time period has elapsed. Here, the deactivation and reactivation of the ventilation process may be performed multiple times upon the attainment of successive, preferably decreasing, predetermined pressure values of the ventilation pressure, until the attainment of a predetermined lower pressure threshold.