Integrated Manifold Pressure Sensing to Cut Pneumatic Piping Work

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing manifold air pressure feeders require significant piping installation work and space for pressure sensors, increasing workload and installation space requirements.

Innovation Solution

A manifold air pressure feeder with a manifold block that integrates a pressure sensor assembly within the block, eliminating the need for external piping and sensor installation, using a direct connection between ports and flow paths, and a switching valve block with an intermediate block for efficient air flow management.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a pressure sensor is installed externally on piping to measure compressed air pressure, then the measurement function is achieved, but the piping installation work and installation space increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecompressed air pressure measurementVSAvoidpiping installation work

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The pressure sensor assembly is integrated directly into the manifold block, merging the measurement function with the existing structure. The sensor housing is formed within the manifold block body, eliminating the need for separate external piping and sensor mounting structures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The pressure sensing function is extracted and embedded directly into the manifold block structure. A dedicated sensor installation cavity is created within the manifold block to accommodate the pressure sensor assembly, removing the need for external piping systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Measurement precision

If a pressure sensor is installed externally on piping to measure compressed air pressure, then the measurement function is achieved, but the installation space increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecompressed air pressure measurementVSAvoidinstallation space

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The pressure sensor assembly is nested within the manifold block structure. The sensor housing is formed as a cavity within the manifold block body, allowing the sensor to be embedded inside the existing structure rather than adding external components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple air pressure feeding units with switching valves are used, then the air pressure feeding function is enhanced, but the piping installation workload increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveair pressure feeding functionVSAvoidpiping installation workload

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple air pressure feeding units are integrated into a single manifold block structure. Multiple switching valve blocks are mounted on the same manifold block, sharing common flow paths and eliminating the need for separate piping systems for each unit.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The manifold block serves multiple functions simultaneously - it provides flow paths for multiple air pressure feeding units, mounting surfaces for multiple switching valve blocks, and integrated pressure sensing capabilities. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate dedicated piping for each function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 reduces piping installation work and saves installation space by integrating the pressure sensor and switching valve components, enhancing operational efficiency and space utilization.

Implementation Method 1

the manifold block includes a pressure sensor assembly (40) to measure air pressure in a specific flow path in the first flow path group, the pressure sensor assembly includes a sensor part (41) including a sensing element for sensing air pressure

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressure sensing:

Data Source

PatentEP4345317A1Manifold air pressure feeder and manifold block for use in manifold air pressure feeder

Publication Date: 2024.04.03 SMC CORP

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AI summary

[Object] To provide a manifold air pressure feeder and a manifold block for use in the manifold air pressure feeder that yield reductions in the piping installation work and other workloads associated with a pressure sensor configured to determine the pressure of compressed air in the manifold block and save installation space. [Solution] An air pressure feeder 1 includes a manifold block 10 and a switching valve block 30. A first port group and a first flow path group are located in the manifold block 10. The switching valve block 30 includes a spool 33 to perform switching between communication states of a plurality of ports in a second port group. These blocks are linked directly or indirectly to each other via an ejector including a connection flow path group that forms a connection between each port in one of the port groups and the corresponding port in the other ort group. The manifold block 10 includes a pressure sensor assembly 40, which measure air pressure in a second feed flow path 16b and includes a sensor part 41 and a sensor substrate part 45. The manifold block includes a sensor installation cavity 23, which communicates with the second feed flow path. The sensor part is inserted and fixed in the sensor installation cavity.