Elastomeric Intake Valve for Air Compressor Noise Reduction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing air compressors generate significant noise during operation, which negatively impacts user experience.

Innovation Solution

A piston rod mechanism for an air compressor featuring a rod and piston with an air vent and an elastomeric intake valve that switches between closed and open positions, reducing noise through the use of silicone for the intake valve and other materials for structural components.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If traditional rigid valve materials are used, then structural strength is maintained, but noise during operation increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovenoiseVSAvoidvalve strength
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the material parameter of the intake valve from rigid materials to elastomeric materials, fundamentally altering the physical properties of the valve. This parameter change allows the valve to deform elastically during operation, absorbing impact forces and reducing noise while maintaining sufficient functional strength for sealing and flow control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs composite material construction where the intake valve is made of elastomeric material that combines the properties of flexibility and strength. This composite approach allows the valve to exhibit both noise-reducing elastic deformation and sufficient mechanical strength to perform its sealing and flow control functions effectively.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Object-affected harmful factors

If elastomeric material is used for the intake valve, then noise is reduced, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovenoiseVSAvoidvalve manufacturing
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the material parameter of the intake valve from rigid materials to elastomeric materials, fundamentally altering the physical properties of the valve. This parameter change allows the valve to deform elastically during operation, absorbing impact forces and reducing noise while maintaining sufficient functional strength for sealing and flow control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Object-affected harmful factors

If the intake valve is made oscillating, then noise reduction is achieved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovenoiseVSAvoidvalve mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables the intake valve to oscillate automatically based on the pressure differential across it during the compression cycle. The valve opens when upstream pressure exceeds downstream pressure and closes when the pressure differential reverses, without requiring external actuators or control mechanisms. This self-service oscillation achieves noise reduction while avoiding additional mechanical complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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 piston rod mechanism effectively reduces noise during air compressor operation by utilizing an elastomeric intake valve, enhancing user experience while maintaining operational efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

the intake valve being made of an elastomeric material... the intake valve is capable of oscillating relative to the piston with the pin shaft as a pivot

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP4563820A1Piston rod mechanism for air compressor and air compressor
Publication Date: 2025.06.04 DONGGUAN ACTIVE TOOLS CO LTD
  • EP4563820A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4563820A1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP4563820A1 patent drawing

AI summary

The present application discloses a piston rod mechanism for an air compressor, along with an air compressor. The piston rod mechanism for an air compressor comprises: a rod (1) and a piston (2) fixedly connected to an output end of the rod, wherein an air vent (21) is provided within the piston, allowing air to communicate between one side of the piston facing towards the rod and the other side away from the rod; an intake valve (3) disposed at the piston, wherein the intake valve is configured to switch between a closed position where the air vent is closed and an open position where the air vent is opened, the intake valve being made of an elastomeric material. Accordingly, the piston rod mechanism for an air compressor, as described in the present application, is capable of reducing noise during operation.