Electropneumatic Feeder PCB Sealing for IP65 and Fewer Parts
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electro-pneumatic distributors are complex and costly to manufacture, limiting their ability to incorporate additional functions and requiring numerous components, which complicates the integration of features like alphanumeric displays and individualized power supply connectors.
Innovation Solution
A distributor design featuring a body with assembled blocks, a printed circuit housed between a cover and the body, and an elastically deformable seal that ensures sealing and allows for reduced component count, enabling the integration of various functionalities such as communication, diagnostics, and energy saving features, while simplifying manufacturing and sealing processes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional distributor design with multiple assembled blocks and intermediate blocks is used, then water and dust tightness (IP 65) is achieved, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the intermediate blocks with the end blocks, eliminating the need for separate intermediate blocks. The end blocks now directly house both the solenoid valves and the electrical connectors, reducing the number of components while maintaining the sealed assembly structure required for IP 65 protection
Solution Approach 2:
The end blocks are designed to serve multiple functions: they house the solenoid valves, provide electrical connections through integrated connectors, and maintain the sealed structure. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate intermediate blocks that previously handled electrical connections
2Adaptability or versatility
If additional functions like alphanumeric displays and individualized power supply connectors are added, then functionality is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The simplified end block design with integrated connectors provides a universal platform that can accommodate various additional functions such as alphanumeric displays and different power supply configurations without requiring complex structural modifications
Solution Approach 2:
The distributor is divided into modular components (main block, end blocks) that can be independently configured. This segmentation allows additional functions to be added to specific modules without affecting the entire assembly, simplifying manufacturing and customization
3Ease of manufacture
If the distributor is designed for centralized power supply with printed circuits oriented perpendicular to the mounting plane, then electrical connection is achieved, but the volume and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the orientation of the printed circuit board from perpendicular to parallel with the mounting plane. This dimensional change allows the electrical connections to be made in the same plane as the solenoid valves, reducing the overall volume required for the distributor assembly
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 reduces manufacturing costs, facilitates maintenance, and allows for the addition of new functions like alphanumeric displays, while maintaining water and dust tightness, and enabling both centralized and individualized power supply configurations with improved sealing and reduced size.
Implementation Method 1
un joint d'étanchéité en forme de feuille en matériau élastiquement déformable, comprimé entre les reliefs du cover entourant le circuit imprimé et le corps du distributeur
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~21
AI summary
The distributer (1) has a body (2) comprising a set of assembled blocks (20, 30, 40), and housing a solenoid valve, and presenting, on a body face (150), and a set of contacts (29) connected to the valve. A cap (110) is arranged on the face of the body. A printed circuit (100) is placed between the cap and the body. The circuit carries another set of contacts (109) arranged to establish an electric connection with the former contacts. A joint (80) in form of in layer made of an elastically deformable material is compressed between reliefs (112) of the cap surrounding the circuit and the body.