Latching Electropneumatic Transducer for Low-Air-Bleed Pressure Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current electropneumatic converters in process control systems either consume air continuously, leading to wasteful and costly operations, or are power-intensive and temperature-limited, making them unsuitable for certain industrial applications.
Innovation Solution
A Latching Pneumatic Transducer (LPT) design that generates a non-continuous pneumatic output from a single electric input signal, using a mechanism with a bobbinless coil and armature to modulate fluid flow, reducing power consumption and eliminating constant air bleed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If continuous current-to-pressure conversion is used, then proportional control is achieved, but air consumption increases constantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs periodic pulsed-mode operation instead of continuous operation. The electropneumatic converter activates in discrete pulses to deliver the required pneumatic output, eliminating constant air bleed while maintaining control functionality. This periodic action resolves the contradiction by providing control precision only when necessary rather than continuously.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters from continuous proportional conversion to intermittent pulsed conversion. By modifying the temporal distribution of pneumatic output (from continuous to pulsed), the system achieves the same control effect with significantly reduced air consumption, resolving the contradiction between control precision and air consumption.
2Volume of moving object
If piezoelectric technology is used, then compact design is achieved, but power consumption increases and temperature range is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces piezoelectric technology with an electromagnetic actuation system. Instead of using piezoelectric crystals that convert electrical energy directly to mechanical displacement, the invention uses an electromagnetic coil to actuate a valve mechanism. This substitution eliminates the temperature limitations and excessive power consumption of piezoelectric materials while maintaining a compact form factor through efficient electromagnetic design.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple solenoid configurations are used, then control flexibility is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple solenoid functions into a single electropneumatic converter design. Rather than using separate solenoids for different control functions, the invention integrates all control capabilities into one unified device with a single coil assembly. This consolidation maintains control flexibility while dramatically simplifying manufacturing by eliminating the need to replicate electromagnetic circuits multiple times.
Solution Approach 2:
The electropneumatic converter is designed as a universal device that can perform multiple control functions through different pulsed operation modes. The single device can provide both proportional control and on/off control, as well as interface with various valve types, eliminating the need for multiple specialized solenoids and reducing manufacturing complexity.
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 LPT design significantly reduces power consumption, operates within a wide temperature range, and is cost-effective, making it suitable for industrial environments with minimal air wastage and reduced operational costs.
Implementation Method 1
a coil formed about a bobbin may provide the electromagnet of the upper block assembly
Implementation Method 2
The internal components of the LPT are configured to alternately open and close a fluid supply path from the fluid supply to the fluid output
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A transducer for a connection to a fluid pressure source having a mechanism for setting a pneumatic output by way of an electrical input signal. The transducer provides a lower housing assembly and an upper housing assembly. The lower housing assembly comprises lower housing configured to receive a supply nozzle. The supply nozzle fluidly communicates with a supply port and intermittently fluidly communicates with an output port of the lower housing through an internal fluid passageway. The upper housing assembly comprises an upper housing configured to receive a coil and an armature such that the upper housing, coil and armature define a latching electromagnetic circuit that provides alternating contact of the armature with the supply nozzle of the lower housing assembly.