Exhaust Gas Sampling with Pinch Valves for Compact Flow Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing exhaust gas sampling systems with control valves are complex, costly, and require significant installation space due to the use of pneumatically operated flap valves, which increases manufacturing costs and weight.

Innovation Solution

The system employs pinch valves with flexible, hose-like control elements and pressure chambers filled with fluid, allowing for reduced installation space, weight, and manufacturing costs, with the control valves being either pneumatic or hydraulic, and capable of adjusting multiple constant volume flows through different Venturi nozzle configurations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If pneumatically operated flap valves are used as control valves, then the exhaust gas sampling system can adjust multiple constant volume flows, but the installation space and weight increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadjustment of multiple constant volume flowsVSAvoidinstallation space

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The exhaust gas sampling system is divided into multiple parallel exhaust lines (first exhaust line with first Venturi nozzle and first control valve, second exhaust line with second Venturi nozzle and second control valve), allowing independent control of each line to achieve multiple constant volume flows while keeping each control valve compact

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The control valves use flexible diaphragms instead of traditional flap valve structures, enabling compact design with reduced installation space while maintaining the ability to control gas flow effectively

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

2Adaptability or versatility

If pneumatically operated flap valves are used as control valves, then the exhaust gas sampling system can adjust multiple constant volume flows, but the weight increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadjustment of multiple constant volume flowsVSAvoidweight of control valves

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSWeight of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses multiple separate control valves instead of a single large valve, allowing each valve to be lightweight while collectively providing multiple flow adjustment capabilities

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The control valves utilize flexible diaphragms as the primary control element, replacing heavy mechanical flap valve structures with lightweight flexible membranes that are sufficient for the application

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

3Reliability

If traditional control valves are used, then reliable flow control is achieved, but the manufacturing costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflow control reliabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The control valves are constructed using flexible diaphragms and simple pressure chambers, eliminating complex mechanical components and reducing manufacturing complexity while maintaining reliable flow control through the flexible membrane's ability to seal and regulate flow

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The control valves operate using simple pressure differential principles where pressure applied to the diaphragm controls the flow, eliminating the need for complex pneumatic actuators and reducing manufacturing costs

Inventive Principle:

Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

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

This design results in a simpler, cost-effective exhaust gas sampling system with reduced installation space and weight, enabling efficient adjustment of multiple volume flows for various combustion engines, while preventing flow losses and ensuring reliable sealing and operation.

Implementation Method 1

In the CVS system, the volume flow of the diluted exhaust gas is maintained constant by a Venturi nozzle, wherein, due to the difference between the variable exhaust gas volume flow introduced into the CVS system and the constant volume flow of the diluted exhaust gas, more or less air is sucked into the CVS system

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVenturi effect: Venturi Effect

Implementation Method 2

Each pinch valve comprises a flexible, hose-like control element and a pressure chamber which is configured to be filled with a fluid and which is arranged to surround the flexible, hose-like control element

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFluid pressure: Pressure Increase

Data Source

PatentUS11402302B2Exhaust gas sample taking system

Publication Date: 2022.08.02 AVL EMISSION TEST SYST GMBH

AI summary

An exhaust gas sampling system includes a main conveying line, a main throughput pump which conveys a sample gas in the main conveying line, a first Venturi nozzle, a second Venturi nozzle, a first control valve, and a second control valve. The first Venturi nozzle and the second Venturi nozzle are connected in parallel and are arranged in the main conveying line upstream of the main throughput pump. The first Venturi nozzle is assigned the first control valve. The second Venturi nozzle is assigned the second control valve. Each of the first control valve and the second control valve are provided as a pinch valve. Each pinch valve has a flexible, hose-like control element and a pressure chamber which is filled with a fluid and which is arranged to surround the flexible, hose-like control element.