Parallel Valve Modules for Higher Pneumatic Throughput
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Solution Overview
Problem
The maximal compressed air throughput at a working port is limited by the design of the respective assigned valve unit, necessitating larger valve modules for increased throughput, which is inefficient.
Innovation Solution
Pneumatically connecting at least two working ports to the same compressed air receiving space via interconnected valve units, allowing parallel operation to increase the compressed air throughput without requiring larger valve modules.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a larger valve module is applied to increase compressed air throughput, then the compressed air throughput is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the compressed air flow path into multiple parallel channels, each controlled by a separate valve unit. Instead of using one large valve module, multiple smaller valve units are arranged in parallel, with their outlets connected to a common outlet. This segmentation allows the system to achieve higher total throughput while keeping individual valve units small and simple.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple valve units are merged at their outlets to a common outlet connection. The parallel-connected valve units combine their flow capacities at the common outlet, achieving the effect of a larger throughput capability without requiring a single large valve module. This merging of parallel flow paths resolves the contradiction by combining multiple small components to achieve large system capacity.
2Productivity
If a larger valve module is applied to increase compressed air throughput, then the compressed air throughput is improved, but the cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses multiple smaller valve units instead of one large expensive valve module. Each smaller valve unit is less costly to manufacture, and their parallel arrangement achieves the required total throughput at lower overall cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses multiple copies of the same or similar valve unit design in parallel. Rather than designing and manufacturing a unique large valve module, the system replicates a standard smaller valve unit multiple times, reducing manufacturing costs through standardization and economies of scale.
3Productivity
If the valve unit size is increased to handle higher throughput, then the compressed air throughput is improved, but the system efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the flow into multiple parallel channels through smaller valve units, the system maintains better flow characteristics and reduces energy losses associated with large single-channel valves. Each smaller valve unit operates more efficiently at its designated flow rate.
Solution Approach 2:
The parallel merging of multiple efficient small valve units creates a system that achieves high throughput while maintaining the efficiency characteristics of the individual units, avoiding the efficiency penalties of large single-valve designs.
Data Source
AI summary
A pneumatic system, including a valve arrangement with a carrier section and several valve modules which are arranged in or on the carrier section, in which each valve module includes at least one valve unit and in which the carrier section comprises a plurality of working ports. Each working port can be selectively pressurised or exhausted via a respectively assigned valve unit. The pneumatic system further includes a hose arrangement and at least one pneumatic consumer with a compressed air receiving space which via the hose arrangement is pneumatically connected to at least two of the working ports, so that by way of this the valve units which are assigned to these working ports are pneumatically interconnected and the compressed air receiving space can be simultaneously pressurised and/or exhausted via at least these two interconnected valve units.