Compressor Inlet Valve with Integrated Blow-Off and Non-Return Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing inlet valves for compressors are complex, require multiple control valves, and risk oil ejection during emergency stops, necessitating additional non-return valves, which increase costs and complexity.
Innovation Solution
A simplified inlet valve design featuring a piston and valve member with a spring-actuated mechanism, incorporating a bypass channel and blow-off system that functions as a non-return valve, reducing the need for extra control valves and preventing oil ejection during failures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If vacuum-controlled inlet valves are used, then the inlet valve can be opened and closed effectively, but the device complexity increases due to multiple control valves and control mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the control functions of multiple valves into a single inlet valve with integrated control elements. The first control element (vacuum control) and second control element (pressure control) are merged within the same valve body, eliminating the need for separate control valves and reducing overall device complexity while maintaining reliable operation.
2Reliability
If vacuum-controlled inlet valves are used, then the inlet valve can be controlled, but an extra non-return valve is required to prevent oil ejection during emergency stops, increasing cost and complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates a non-return valve function within the inlet valve assembly itself. The valve design incorporates check valve elements that automatically prevent reverse flow and oil ejection during emergency stops, eliminating the need for a separate non-return valve and reducing both cost and complexity.
3Device complexity
If spring-controlled inlet valves are used, then the structure is simpler, but considerable force is required to keep the inlet valve closed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses vacuum pressure and pressure differential forces to assist the spring in closing the inlet valve. The first control element creates a vacuum force that pulls the valve closed, and the second control element uses pressure differential to maintain closure, reducing the mechanical force burden on the spring while maintaining simple structure.
4Use of energy by moving object
If the compressor element operates unloaded by closing the inlet valve, then energy efficiency improves, but the pressure in the pressure vessel must be blown off, requiring additional control
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the pressure blow-off control function with the inlet valve control mechanism. The same control elements that regulate inlet valve opening and closing also manage the pressure relief process, allowing the pressure vessel to be blown off during unloaded operation without requiring separate control systems.
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 design ensures efficient no-load operation, maintains minimum pressure for oil supply, and prevents oil ejection during emergencies without additional non-return valves, reducing complexity and energy consumption.
Implementation Method 1
a valve which in rest mode is pushed by means of a spring against a valve seat of the inlet valve
Implementation Method 2
the combination of piston and valve member as non-return valve to prevent in the event of a sudden failure of the drive of the compressor element, oil from being ejected from the pressure vessel via the compressor element and the inlet valve
Data Source
Figure 1~2
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Figure 5~6
AI summary
Inlet valve containing a housing (17) with an entry (18) and an exit (19) and an internal part (17b) which together with an external part (17a) delimits a flow channel (20) between entry (18) and exit (19), whereby this flow channe1 (20) is closable by a valve (21) f characterised in that this valve (21) comprises a piston (24) and a valve member (25), whereby the piston (24) is slidable in the housing (17) and is connected with the exit (19) and whereby the valve member (25) is formed by a valve shaft piston (33) which is slidable in the piston (24) such that in rest mode the valve member (25) is pushed by the piston (24) against a valve seat, whereby between the valve shaft piston (33) and the piston (23) a chamber (41) is enclosed which can come into fluid connection with the pressure vessel (8) and is provided with a blow-off exit (42) which forms a fluid connection between the chamber (41) and the entry (18), whereby the valve shaft piston (33) contains a bypass channel (44) which is connected with the chamber (41) and the sidewall of the valve shaft piston (33).