Modular Valve Plate Layout for Flexible Compressed Air Supply
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing valve module systems for supplying compressed air to consumers lack flexibility in adapting to different requirements of the consumers.
Innovation Solution
A valve module system comprising a support plate with interfaces for attaching valve modules, each with a valve housing and valve assemblies, and a channel plate for establishing fluid connections between valve assemblies and channel openings, along with sensors for monitoring fluid conditions and sending signals to a control apparatus.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed valve module system is used, then the structure is simple, but the adaptability to different compressed air consumer requirements is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The valve module system is divided into modular components that can be independently configured and assembled. Each valve module can be selectively attached to the support plate based on specific compressed air consumer requirements, allowing the system to be segmented and reconfigured for different applications without redesigning the entire system.
Solution Approach 2:
The support plate with standardized connection areas and channel openings serves as a universal base that can accommodate multiple different valve modules. The modular design enables a single platform to support various valve configurations, making the system multi-functional and adaptable to different compressed air consumer needs while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
2Reliability
If multiple sensors are integrated into the system, then the monitoring capability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple sensors (pressure, temperature, flow, humidity) are integrated into a unified valve module system where they share common mounting structures and communication interfaces on the support plate. This merging approach enables comprehensive monitoring capabilities while avoiding the complexity of separate standalone sensor systems, as the sensors work together within the integrated modular framework.
Data Source
AI summary
A valve module system for supplying compressed air to a compressed air consumer, in which valve modules are provided with differently configured channel plates in order to enter into fluidic communication with fluid channels of a support plate. At least one fluid channel configured in the support plate, which opens out at a coupling surface of the support plate, is associated with a sensor from the group of a: pressure sensor, a temperature sensor, a flow sensor, a humidity sensor, which is electrically connected to a control apparatus and which is configured for providing an electrical sensor signal to the control apparatus.