Reciprocating Compressor Valve Relief Channel Dynamics

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current reciprocating compressors in motor vehicles face inefficiencies in energy consumption during idle operation, leading to increased power consumption and idling losses.

Innovation Solution

A relief system with a switching device and slat is integrated into the cylinder head, allowing the relief channel to be automatically or controlledly opened, reducing inflow resistance during suction strokes and enabling the compressor to switch to idle mode without compression, thereby reducing energy consumption.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of energy

If the compressor operates in idle mode with the relief channel closed, then compression continues to deliver compressed air, but energy consumption increases due to backpressure and idling losses

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveidling lossesVSAvoidcompressed air delivery
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The relief channel is designed to be dynamically switchable between closed and open states. During normal operation, the channel remains closed to maintain compression. During idle mode, the channel opens to relieve backpressure and reduce idling losses. This dynamic switching capability allows the system to adapt its structure to different operational requirements, resolving the contradiction between energy efficiency and productivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of operation

If the relief channel is opened during suction stroke, then inflow resistance is reduced and ambient air can enter the workspace, but the channel must be carefully positioned to avoid interference with piston movement

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesuction stroke efficiencyVSAvoidcylinder head structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The relief channel is positioned in a specific location within the cylinder head where it can open during idle mode without interfering with piston movement. The channel is arranged to connect the workspace with the external environment at a point that avoids mechanical interference. This localized positioning allows the relief function to be implemented with minimal impact on the overall device structure, resolving the contradiction between operational ease and device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

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 effectively reduces energy consumption by enhancing the suction stroke movement and allowing ambient air to enter the workspace during suction strokes, minimizing idling losses and improving overall compressor efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

The piston's intake stroke creates a vacuum in the working chamber of the respective cylinder, causing the corresponding intake valve to open

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPressure differential: Pressure Gradient

Implementation Method 2

The compression stroke of the piston creates an overpressure in the working chamber of the respective cylinder, so that the associated suction valve closes and the associated pressure valve opens

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCompression: Compression

Data Source

PatentEP4004370B1Valve device for a reciprocating-piston compressor
Publication Date: 2024.09.11 VOITH PATENT GMBH
  • EP4004370B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4004370B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP4004370B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

The invention relates to a reciprocating-piston compressor for a compressed air supply system in a motor vehicle, comprising a cylinder head with an integrated unloading system which is used to switch an unloading channel in a valve support plate of the cylinder head, said channel connecting a working area of the reciprocating-piston compressor to a chamber in the cylinder head. The aim of the invention is to improve the efficiency of the reciprocating-piston compressor. To achieve this, the unloading system comprises a switch device and a lamella, wherein the lamella is secured to the valve support plate on the working area side and is designed such that the lamella can lift off from the valve support plate in order to open the unloading channel, and the lamella can lift off automatically and/or in a controlled manner by means of the unloading system.