Integrated PSA Air Valve Layout for Compact Pressure Equalization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pressure swing adsorption oxygen-making air path systems have cumbersome pipeline connections, complex installation and maintenance, large device volume, and increased space occupation due to opposite ends for air inlet and outlet, which complicates the system and increases costs.
Innovation Solution
An integrated air inlet and outlet valve with two air path control units, each having a first and second control valve, a connecting channel, and a one-way valve, allowing for compact integration and simplified installation, reducing redundant pipelines and space occupation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If air inlet and outlet ends are arranged at opposite ends of the adsorption tower, then pressure equalization function is achieved, but device volume and space occupation increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the air inlet valve and air outlet valve into a single integrated valve assembly. The valve body contains both the first air inlet and outlet end and the second air inlet and outlet end, allowing pressure equalization to occur within the compact valve structure itself rather than requiring extended tower height. This combining approach maintains the pressure equalization function while significantly reducing device volume.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple solenoid valves and pipelines are used for air path control, then air intake and exhaust reversing function is achieved, but system complexity and installation difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple valve functions into a single valve body structure. The first and second air inlet and outlet ports, along with their respective control mechanisms, are combined within one compact valve assembly. This eliminates the need for multiple separate solenoid valves and complex pipeline connections, thereby reducing system complexity while maintaining the air path control and reversing function.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated valve assembly performs multiple functions simultaneously: it serves as both the air inlet valve and air outlet valve, provides pressure equalization, and enables air path reversal. This multi-functionality is achieved within a single compact structure, reducing the overall system complexity compared to using separate dedicated components for each function.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate valves and pipelines are used, then air path control is achieved, but installation and maintenance difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
By combining multiple air path control functions into a single integrated valve assembly, the patent significantly simplifies installation. Instead of installing and connecting multiple separate solenoid valves and pipelines, the entire air path control system is contained in one unit that can be installed as a single component, thereby greatly improving installation ease and reducing maintenance complexity.
4Reliability
If opposite ends air inlet and outlet structure is used, then pressure equalization is achieved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent achieves pressure equalization within a compact integrated valve body rather than requiring extended tower structures. This merging of functions into a single manufacturable component reduces material usage, simplifies assembly, and lowers manufacturing costs while maintaining the essential pressure equalization capability.
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 integrated valve reduces pipeline connections, simplifies installation and maintenance, lowers failure rates, and reduces overall size and manufacturing costs while maintaining air inlet, outlet, and pressure equalization functions.
Implementation Method 1
a one-way valve which enables air to flow to the air outlet in one direction only
Implementation Method 2
the second air inlet and outlet ports of the two air path control units are connected through a throttle valve
Implementation Method 3
the first control valve is configured for controlling the first air inlet and outlet port to be selectively communicated with the air inlet or the connecting channel
Data Source
AI summary
An integrated air inlet and outlet valve and a pressure swing adsorption air path system including the integrated air inlet and outlet valve are disclosed. The integrated air inlet and outlet valve includes a valve body, the valve body is provided with an air inlet, an air outlet, an exhaust port and two air path control units, the air path control unit includes a first air inlet and outlet port, a second air inlet and outlet port, a first control valve, a second control valve and a connecting channel, the second air inlet and outlet port is connected with the air outlet through a one-way valve which enables air to flow to the air outlet in one direction only, and the second air inlet and outlet ports of the two air path control units are connected through a throttle valve.