Pneumatic Dryer Circuit Bypass for Vehicle Regulator

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing pneumatic control devices for vehicles face inefficiencies in air drying processes, particularly during closed air supply modes where the air dryer is not bypassed, leading to unnecessary stress and reduced performance.

Innovation Solution

A dryer circuit with a two-stage compressor system and non-return valves that allow air to bypass the air dryer during closed air supply operations, using a switching valve to regulate air flow and prevent backflow, and an ambient valve for controlled venting and ventilation, ensuring the air dryer is only active during regeneration and ventilation phases.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If air is conveyed through the air dryer during closed air supply operations, then the air is dried, but the air dryer experiences unnecessary stress and performance decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveair dryer performanceVSAvoidunnecessary stress on air dryer
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically switches the air dryer's involvement in the air supply circuit based on operational mode. During closed air supply operations, the switching valve redirects air flow to bypass the air dryer, while during ventilation phases, the air dryer is reintegrated into the circuit. This dynamic reconfiguration eliminates unnecessary stress during closed operations while maintaining drying functionality when needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The air supply circuit is segmented into multiple pathways: one through the air dryer and another bypassing it. The switching valve controls which pathway is active based on operational requirements. This segmentation allows the air dryer to be isolated from the closed air supply loop, preventing unnecessary stress while preserving its drying function for when it is actually needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Productivity

If the air dryer is always active in the air supply circuit, then air is continuously dried, but control efficiency decreases during closed air supply mode

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol process efficiencyVSAvoidair drying function
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The air dryer operates periodically rather than continuously. During closed air supply operations, it is bypassed to maximize control efficiency. During designated ventilation phases, it is activated to perform drying functions. This periodic operation pattern optimizes both control efficiency and air drying effectiveness by matching the dryer's operation to when it is actually needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

3Duration of action of stationary object

If a bypass circuit is introduced to avoid unnecessary air dryer stress, then air dryer longevity improves, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveair dryer service lifeVSAvoidcircuit configuration
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The switching valve serves multiple functions: it directs air flow during closed air supply operations, controls ventilation phases, and manages the air dryer's integration into the circuit. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components for each function, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity despite adding the bypass capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 configuration enhances the efficiency and longevity of the air dryer by reducing unnecessary stress, improving control processes, and optimizing the air dryer's design, leading to increased performance and extended service life.

Implementation Method 1

the first compressor is designed to compress system air present in the pneumatic control device

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCompression: Compression

Implementation Method 2

the second compressor is designed to compress newly added air from an external environment to a first low pressure level

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCompression: Compression

Implementation Method 3

when the newly supplied air dries in the inlet area of the air dryer

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAdsorption: Adsorption

Data Source

PatentEP2681060B1Dryer circuit for a pneumatic regulating device of a vehicle
Publication Date: 2016.04.20 CONTINENTAL TEVES AG & CO OHG
  • EP2681060B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2681060B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2681060B1 patent drawingFigure 3a

AI summary

The invention relates to a dryer circuit for a pneumatic regulating device of a vehicle, comprising - an air dryer (100), - a first compressor (104), wherein the first compressor (104) is designed to compress system air present in the pneumatic regulating device, wherein the air dryer, the first compressor and subsystems, which can be connected to the first compressor (104), of the pneumatic regulating device are arranged such that, in the operating mode of a closed air supply, air delivered between the components of one of the subsystems by means of the first compressor is delivered so as to bypass the air dryer.