Multi-Circuit Protection Valve Common Membrane Design
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing multi-circuit protection valves for air treatment systems are expensive to produce and require complex assembly, limiting their cost-effectiveness and ease of use.
Innovation Solution
A multi-circuit protection valve design featuring a common supply chamber with individually adjustable overflow valves, utilizing a common membrane that surrounds the valve seats and is supported by a dome housing, eliminating the need for separate membranes and simplifying assembly by using a transition fit instead of press or loose fits, allowing for a larger volume for compressed air distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate membranes or cup seals are used for each overflow valve, then reliable sealing is achieved, but production cost increases and assembly becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate membranes into a single common membrane that serves all overflow valves. This common membrane is arranged in a recess of the valve body and forms membrane areas for multiple overflow valves simultaneously, eliminating the need for separate membranes or cup seals for each valve, thus simplifying assembly while maintaining sealing reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The common membrane performs multiple functions: it serves as the sealing element for all overflow valves, forms the wall of the supply chamber, and creates individual membrane areas for each valve through its configuration in the recess. This multi-functional design reduces the number of components needed
2Ease of manufacture
If a standard bore is provided for the supply chamber, then manufacturing is simple, but the volume available for compressed air distribution is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a simple cylindrical bore to a multi-dimensional irregularly shaped recess that extends from the outer surface inward. This irregular geometry utilizes the available space more efficiently, creating a larger volume for compressed air distribution while remaining manufacturable through standard machining or molding processes
3Ease of operation
If press fit or loose fit is used for membrane mounting, then assembly is simplified, but sealing reliability or precision is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a shoulder as an intermediary structural feature between the valve body and the membrane. The shoulder provides a precise mounting surface that ensures proper positioning and sealing of the membrane without requiring press fit or loose fit, thus maintaining both assembly ease and sealing reliability
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 production costs and assembly complexity, enabling reliable operation with a compact and efficient air treatment system that can accommodate additional functions without impairing functionality, while ensuring safe and effective pneumatic control.
Implementation Method 1
A piston is placed on each valve diaphragm and a z. B. recorded in a single dome, biased adjustable spring
Implementation Method 2
They can be opened or kept open through the entry side and exit side. When filling the compressed air system after starting the compressor, they can open successively
Data Source
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AI summary
The multi-circuit protection valve has overflow valves, where each valve has a valve seat (35) and a membrane area adjacent to the valve seat. A valve housing (31) is provided, in which the valve output lines of the overflow valves are formed. A supply chamber is formed in the valve housing as a pressure air supply to the overflow valves. The supply chamber has a recess (34) formed in the valve housing, where the recess surrounds the valve seat. An independent claim is included for an air treatment plant with an air dryer cartridge.