Compressed Air Water Drainage Using Timed Pneumatic Actuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional water handling devices for air compressors, whether manual or automatic, face issues such as high operational costs, susceptibility to water and humidity damage, and inefficiency in timely water drainage, which can lead to direct or indirect damage to vehicle brakes and pneumatic devices.
Innovation Solution
An automatic water handling device comprising a barrel with a division board and a desiccant agent, connected to a pneumatic cylinder and an electromagnetic valve controlled by a timer, which automatically drains water from compressed air at predetermined times, using a control valve and a spring mechanism to ensure efficient water removal and filtration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If manual operation drain valve is used, then installation cost is low, but manual operation is required which is tedious and time consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses compressed air from the air compressor itself to automatically operate the drain valve through a pneumatic cylinder, eliminating the need for manual operation or external power sources. The compressed air drives the piston to open the valve for water drainage, then the spring automatically returns the valve to closed position.
2Ease of operation
If automatic electronic water drainers are used, then manual operation is eliminated, but electronic parts are exposed to water and humidity causing malfunctioning or damage
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces electronic components with a purely pneumatic actuation system. Compressed air from the air compressor is directed through a control valve to a pneumatic cylinder, which uses pneumatic pressure to open and close the drain valve. This eliminates all electronic parts from the water drainage system, preventing malfunction from water and humidity exposure.
3Productivity
If conventional water drainers are used, then basic water drainage is achieved, but water damage to brakes and pneumatic devices still occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The system proactively drains water from the compressed air system at predetermined intervals using a timer-controlled pneumatic cylinder, before water can accumulate and cause damage to brakes and pneumatic devices. The spring mechanism ensures the valve closes automatically after drainage, maintaining system integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The drain valve is segmented into distinct functional components: a piston for opening the valve, a spring for automatic closing, and a control mechanism for timing. This segmentation allows the valve to perform multiple functions (drainage and sealing) reliably, preventing water damage while maintaining system pressure.
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 device effectively prevents water damage to vehicle brakes and pneumatic devices by automatically draining and filtering water from compressed air, reducing manual intervention and minimizing electronic part failures, while ensuring the compressed air is virtually free of moisture.
Implementation Method 1
a first chamber receiving a desiccant agent disposed therein
Data Source
AI summary
An automatic water handling device of an air compressor includes a barrel and a pneumatic cylinder. The barrel has an interior space in which a division board formed with through holes is mounted to define a first chamber in which a desiccant agent is disposed and a second chamber. The barrel has a gas outlet opening connected with a gas accumulation tank. The second chamber has a gas inlet opening to receive compressed air. An electromagnetic valve is in connection with the second chamber and is connected to a timer for activation at predetermined time points by the timer to drive the pneumatic cylinder to open a control valve to drain off water removed from compressed air.