Piston Compressor Suction Valve Control for Low-Speed Vibration Reduction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current piston compressors experience low frequency vibrations and efficiency decline at low rotation speeds, which are mechanically problematic and inefficient, especially in low air demand conditions.

Innovation Solution

Incorporation of an adjustment valve along the suction duct that varies air flow rate as a function of motor rotation speed, controlled by a module that adjusts the valve based on motor speed to reduce oscillations and enhance efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If the motor operates at low rotation speeds to match low air demand, then energy consumption is reduced, but low frequency vibrations with high amplitude occur that are mechanically problematic

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergy consumptionVSAvoidlow frequency vibrations
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the parameter of air flow rate through the adjustment valve to match the motor rotation speed. At low rotation speeds, the valve restricts air flow, preventing the piston from creating high vacuum levels that would cause high amplitude vibrations. This parameter coordination resolves the contradiction by allowing low energy consumption while maintaining acceptable vibration levels.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The control module continuously monitors motor rotation speed and automatically adjusts the adjustment valve position accordingly. This feedback mechanism ensures that the air flow rate is always appropriate for the current rotation speed, preventing harmful vibrations while maintaining energy efficiency. The system self-regulates without manual intervention.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Use of energy by moving object

If the motor operates at low rotation speeds, then noise is reduced, but compressor efficiency declines considerably

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenoise levelVSAvoidcompressor efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent coordinates two parameters simultaneously: motor rotation speed and air flow rate through the adjustment valve. By reducing air flow proportionally with rotation speed, the system maintains efficient operating conditions even at low speeds. This prevents the efficiency decline that would normally occur at low rotation speeds while also reducing noise levels.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically adjusts the air flow rate to match the motor rotation speed in real-time. This dynamic coordination ensures that the compressor operates efficiently across the entire rotation speed range, from high speed to low speed operation. The adjustment valve creates a dynamic relationship between flow rate and speed that maintains optimal efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Object-affected harmful factors

If the adjustment valve restricts air flow at low rotation speeds, then oscillations are reduced, but the suction flow rate decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveoscillationsVSAvoidsuction flow rate
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The system creates a dynamic relationship where the suction flow rate is adjusted to match the motor rotation speed. At low speeds, the flow rate is naturally reduced through the adjustment valve, which is the appropriate amount needed for efficient operation at that speed. This dynamic matching reduces oscillations while maintaining the correct quantity of air for the current operating conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes both parameters together: rotation speed and suction flow rate. By coordinating these parameter changes, the system reduces oscillations through flow restriction while simultaneously maintaining efficient operation at the matched lower flow rate. The parameter changes are coupled rather than independent, resolving the apparent contradiction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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

Significantly reduces oscillations and improves efficiency by adjusting air flow and motor power consumption at low rotation speeds, maintaining maximum efficiency and minimizing vibrations.

Implementation Method 1

the adjustment valve (6), arranged along the suction duct (3), which is predisposed to vary the flow rate of the air directed to the suction opening (21)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFlow rate variation through area change:

Data Source

PatentEP3739209B1Piston compressor for medical use
Publication Date: 2022.03.23 CATTANI SPA
  • EP3739209B1 patent drawingFigure 1

AI summary

A volumetric compressor with one or more cylinders, comprising: at least one cylinder (2), provided with a suction opening (21) and a discharge opening (22) controlled by respective valves; a suction duct (3), connected to the suction opening (21); a discharge duct (4), connected to the discharge opening; a motor (5), provided with the possibility of varying its rotation speed; an adjustment valve (6), arranged along the suction duct (3), which is predisposed to vary the flow rate of the air directed to the suction opening.