Pneumatic Actuator End Position Damping via Adaptive Discharge Valve Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional end position damping mechanisms in pneumatic actuators are mechanically fixed and cannot be adapted effectively to different applications, leading to potential collisions, vibrations, increased wear, and damage due to unbraked or insufficiently braked actuator member movements.
Innovation Solution
A system with a compressed air supply device that adjusts the conductance value of a discharge valve based on a conductance characteristic curve in response to the driving force acting on the actuator member, allowing for flexible adaptation of end position damping by controlling the release of compressed air from the pressure chamber.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional mechanically fixed end position damping mechanisms are used, then the structure is simple, but the adaptability to different applications is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the conventional mechanical end position damping mechanism with an electronically controlled discharge valve system. The control unit electronically adjusts the conductance value of the discharge valve based on the driving force, eliminating the need for complex mechanical adjustment mechanisms while achieving adaptable end position damping across different applications.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the conductance value parameter of the discharge valve dynamically based on the driving force acting on the actuator member. By storing multiple conductance values and selecting appropriate values based on driving force conditions, the system achieves adaptable end position damping without requiring complex mechanical structures.
2Reliability
If no end position damping is provided, then the device complexity is reduced, but the actuator member may collide with the end position stop causing damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback control mechanism where the control unit continuously monitors the driving force acting on the actuator member and adjusts the conductance value of the discharge valve accordingly. This feedback loop ensures that end position damping is automatically activated when needed to prevent collision, while remaining inactive during normal operation, thus providing reliable protection without requiring continuously complex damping mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs dynamic adjustment of the discharge valve conductance value based on real-time driving force conditions. The system transitions from a static mechanical damping approach to a dynamic electronic control approach, where the damping effect is activated and adjusted in real-time based on operational conditions, providing collision prevention only when necessary.
3Speed
If high conductance value is used for discharge valve, then the compressed air is released quickly improving speed, but the counteracting pressure is reduced lowering damping effect
Solution Approach 1:
The patent dynamically adjusts the conductance value of the discharge valve based on the driving force conditions. During normal operation or when high speed is needed, higher conductance values are selected for faster air release. When end position damping is required, lower conductance values are selected to maintain higher counteracting pressure. This dynamic parameter adjustment resolves the contradiction between speed and damping force.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes multiple discrete conductance values that can be selected based on operational requirements. By changing the conductance value parameter of the discharge valve, the system can switch between different operating modes: high speed mode with higher conductance values and high damping mode with lower conductance values, thus resolving the trade-off between air release speed and counteracting pressure.
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 approach enables precise control of the actuator member's movement speed at the end position, preventing collisions and reducing wear by dynamically adjusting the damping force, thus enhancing the safety and reliability of pneumatic actuator systems.
Implementation Method 1
compressed air is released from the pressure chamber more slowly, so that a greater pressure counteracts the actuator member movement
Implementation Method 2
a greater pressure counteracts the actuator member movement and consequently a lower resulting driving force, in particular a negative driving force, is established
Data Source
AI summary
A system including a pneumatic actuator with an actuator member and a compressed air supply device which is configured to apply compressed air to the pneumatic actuator in order to set the actuator member in an actuator member movement towards an end position of the pneumatic actuator, wherein the compressed air supply device is further configured to provide an end position damping for the actuator member movement and, during the end position damping, to adjust a conductance value of a discharge valve, via which the compressed air supply device discharges compressed air from a pressure chamber of the pneumatic actuator which pressure chamber counteracts the actuator member movement, in accordance with a conductance characteristic in dependence of a driving force acting on the actuator member.