Electronic Inlet Valve With Vacuum Assistance for Precise Airflow Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing air compressor systems lack precise control over airflow due to the use of pneumatically controlled inlet valves, which are slower and less precise compared to electronic control systems.
Innovation Solution
An electronic inlet valve with a linear actuator is integrated into the air compressor system, utilizing vacuum assistance to control the check plate's position and regulate airflow, allowing for improved control and precision in air flow management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a pneumatically controlled inlet valve is used, then the valve can be actuated by pneumatic pressure, but the control speed and precision are slow and insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional pneumatic control system with an electronic control system using a linear actuator. The linear actuator receives electronic control signals and directly drives the valve stem to move the valve member, eliminating the intermediate pneumatic conversion process. This substitution of pneumatic actuation with electronic-mechanical actuation achieves faster response speed and more precise control positioning.
2Reliability
If a traditional pneumatic control system is used, then the system can operate in standard conditions, but it fails in freezing environments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the pneumatic control system with an electronic linear actuator system that is not susceptible to freezing conditions. Electronic components and sealed actuators can operate reliably in cold environments where pneumatic systems would fail due to moisture freezing in air lines and actuators, thereby improving both reliability and environmental adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operating parameters of the control system from pneumatic pressure-based actuation to electronic signal-based actuation. This parameter change allows the system to operate independently of environmental temperature conditions that affect pneumatic systems, enabling reliable operation in freezing environments.
3Measurement precision
If a linear actuator with vacuum assistance is used, then precise airflow control is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a vacuum chamber as an intermediary element that works in conjunction with the linear actuator. The vacuum chamber creates a pressure differential that assists the linear actuator in moving the valve member, providing precise control with reduced actuator force requirements. This intermediary mechanism enables fine airflow regulation while keeping the actuator size manageable.
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 electronic inlet valve provides enhanced control over airflow, enabling more precise regulation and efficient operation of air compressors, even in environments where traditional pneumatic systems may fail due to freezing conditions.
Implementation Method 1
The chamber includes a first portion in fluid communication with a first fluid and a second portion in fluid communication with a second fluid. The linear actuator is configured to actuate the valve member through the valve stem assembly to control a flow of air to the air end, and wherein the first fluid is at a different pressure than the second fluid.
Implementation Method 2
The first fluid is at a different pressure than the second fluid
Data Source
AI summary
An air compressor includes a prime mover, an air end operably connected to the prime mover, the air end configured to compress air, and an electronic inlet valve operably connected to the air end. The electronic inlet valve includes a valve body having an air inlet, a linear actuator coupled to a valve stem assembly, a valve member coupled to the valve stem assembly, a portion of the valve stem assembly is slidably received in a chamber. The chamber includes a first portion in fluid communication with a first fluid and a second portion in fluid communication with a second fluid. The linear actuator is configured to actuate the valve member through the valve stem assembly to control a flow of air to the air end, and wherein the first fluid is at a different pressure than the second fluid.