Pneumatic Control Device for Stable Supply Pressure

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing air compressor operation control devices face challenges in maintaining consistent supply pressure to terminal devices due to piping layout variations, leading to fluctuations and increased power consumption, and require users to input operating conditions manually, especially when piping layouts change.

Innovation Solution

A pneumatic system operation control device that adjusts the rotational speed of the air compressor's electric motor based on real-time discharge and supply pressure measurements, using an air piping network model to calculate and update control set values, thereby stabilizing supply pressure without requiring users to input operating conditions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the discharge pressure of the air compressor is set high to ensure stable operation of terminal devices, then the supply pressure to terminal devices is maintained at desired pressure or more, but the air compressor consumes excess power when consumption air flow rate is small

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestable operation of terminal deviceVSAvoidpower consumption of air compressor
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making the air compressor's discharge pressure variable rather than fixed. The control device dynamically adjusts the discharge pressure based on real-time detection of consumption air flow rate and supply pressure, allowing the system to adapt to changing operational conditions and minimize energy waste while maintaining reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the parameter of discharge pressure from a constant high value to a variable value that responds to system conditions. By detecting consumption air flow rate and supply pressure, the system adjusts discharge pressure to match actual demands, resolving the contradiction between maintaining stable operation and reducing power consumption.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If the air compressor is controlled to maintain constant supply pressure using PID control, then supply pressure fluctuations are suppressed, but the control set value cannot be adjusted according to piping layout changes

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesupply pressure stabilityVSAvoidadaptability to piping layout changes
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements feedback by continuously detecting supply pressure and consumption air flow rate, then using this information to adjust the discharge pressure control set value. This closed-loop feedback system automatically adapts to piping layout changes without requiring manual intervention, maintaining both pressure stability and adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs self-service by automatically detecting and adapting to piping layout changes through its sensing and control mechanisms. The control device monitors supply pressure and consumption patterns, automatically adjusting discharge pressure settings to accommodate changes in piping configuration, eliminating the need for external manual adjustment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Measurement precision

If manual input of operating conditions is required for piping layout changes, then control accuracy can be maintained, but user operation complexity increases and response time is delayed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol accuracyVSAvoidoperation simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies self-service by enabling the system to automatically detect and respond to piping layout changes without requiring manual user input. The control device continuously monitors supply pressure and consumption patterns, automatically adjusting discharge pressure control parameters to maintain accuracy, thereby eliminating operational complexity while preserving control precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP3396160B1Pneumatic system operation control device and control method
Publication Date: 2021.05.05 HITACHI IND EQUIP SYST CO LTD
  • EP3396160B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3396160B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3396160B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A pneumatic system operation control device for variable control of the rotation speed of an electric motor for driving an air-compressor such that constantly supplied pressure to a terminal device is achieved in accordance with a discharge pressure measurement value of the air-compressor and a supply pressure measurement value to the terminal device. The control device: stores the discharge pressure measurement value and the supply pressure measurement value; and, upon receiving input of an air pipe network model composed of data for calculating a flow of air in an air pipe network, calculates a flow rate of air supplied to the terminal device and an update value of a control setting value, and updates the control setting value to be used for variable control on the basis of the update value.