Ejector Vent Valve Pneumatic Pressure Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Ejector devices driven by compressed air face high energy consumption and inefficient ventilation processes for detachment of gripped items, which can be harsh on the objects and require complex control systems.
Innovation Solution
An ejector device with a compressed-air-controlled vent valve that maintains a predetermined negative pressure by continuously applying closing air pressure, using a primary and secondary valve system with a resilient vent valve that opens to atmosphere independently of the secondary valve's position, allowing for quick and cautious ventilation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If an electrically activated valve is used for active ventilation of the suction cup, then the gripping member can be ventilated for detachment of the gripped object, but the energy consumption increases and the control system becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The vent valve is self-actuating through pneumatic pressure differential. When the ejector creates negative pressure in the air suction duct, this pressure differential automatically opens the vent valve without requiring external electrical activation, making the system self-service and eliminating continuous energy input for valve control
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses pneumatic pressure differential across the vent valve to control its opening and closing. The negative pressure generated by the ejector in the air suction duct automatically actuates the vent valve, replacing electrical actuation with a pneumatic control mechanism that reduces energy consumption
2Reliability
If compressed air is continuously fed to the ejector to maintain negative pressure, then the gripping member maintains suction, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The ejector is driven by intermittent compressed air supply rather than continuous supply. The control valve opens and closes periodically to supply compressed air pulses to the ejector, maintaining the required negative pressure in the air suction duct while significantly reducing overall energy consumption compared to continuous operation
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses pressure differential feedback to control the vent valve operation. The negative pressure generated by the ejector in the air suction duct automatically feeds back to open the vent valve when needed, creating a self-regulating system that maintains reliability without requiring continuous high energy input
3Speed
If the vent valve opens quickly to atmosphere, then ventilation is fast for detachment, but the gripping member may lose control of the gripped object
Solution Approach 1:
The vent valve operation is dynamically controlled by the pressure differential across it. The valve opens and closes based on the real-time negative pressure conditions in the air suction duct, providing dynamic adaptation that ensures quick ventilation when needed while maintaining grip control through pressure-regulated operation
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
Reduces energy consumption by maintaining a consistent negative pressure and enabling quick, gentle ventilation of gripped items, improving the efficiency and reliability of the ejector device's operation.
Implementation Method 1
an ejector (1) which is driven by compressed air in order to generate a negative pressure
Implementation Method 2
generate a negative pressure useful in an industrial process
Implementation Method 3
The valve body may advantageously be made of a flexible material, and in this case have an inherent bias force directed from the seat
Implementation Method 4
the vent valve being in flow communication with said flow section in order to, in the open position of the primary valve, continuously being subjected to a closing air pressure
Data Source
AI summary
An ejector device adapted to generate a negative pressure with compressed air, which via a compressed-air duct is fed to an ejector, the device including a valve member arranged in the compressed-air duct and controllable in order to, in the open position, allow flow of compressed air to the ejector, an air suction duct arranged between the ejector and a gripping member driven by negative pressure, and a vent valve fluidly arranged with the air suction duct and that, in an open position, places the gripping member in communication with the atmosphere. The valve member embraces: a primary valve arranged in the direction of flow of compressed air; a secondary valve arranged downstream of the primary valve; a flow section of compressed-air duct between the primary and secondary valve, the vent valve communicating with the flow section so that, in the open position of the primary valve, is continuously being subjected to a closing air pressure, independently of the open or closed position of the secondary valve.