Pneumatic Flow Control Device for Vacuum Elevator Pressure Balancing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional pneumatic vacuum elevator valves consume excessive power and fail to balance air pressure differences, leading to inefficient descent and safety issues during cabin movement.
Innovation Solution
A pneumatic flow controlling device with a perforated component, diaphragm component, primary valve, and secondary valve that enables controlled air circulation and dynamic speed regulation, reducing power consumption and enhancing safety and smoothness of elevator movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If conventional pneumatic vacuum elevator valves are used to control air flow, then the elevator cabin can descend, but the power consumption is excessive
Solution Approach 1:
The valve assembly is segmented into multiple independent components: a primary valve for main air flow control, a secondary valve for pressure balancing, and a flow control assembly with adjustable orifice. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently, reducing overall power consumption while maintaining reliable air pressure control throughout the descent process.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention employs dynamic control strategies where the primary and secondary valves operate in coordinated sequences during different phases of cabin descent. The valves adjust their states dynamically based on real-time pressure conditions, enabling the system to maintain reliability while optimizing power consumption through adaptive control rather than continuous high-power operation.
2Reliability
If conventional valves are used for cabin descent, then air flow can be controlled, but the air pressure difference between cylinders cannot be properly balanced
Solution Approach 1:
A flow control assembly with an adjustable orifice serves as an intermediary component between the primary and secondary valves. This intermediary element provides fine-grained control over air flow rates, enabling precise pressure balancing between the upper and lower cylinders. The adjustable orifice acts as a mediator that modulates flow to achieve equilibrium without requiring complex multi-valve configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve system incorporates feedback mechanisms where pressure sensors monitor the air pressure difference between cylinders and automatically adjust valve positions and orifice openings. This closed-loop feedback control enables the system to maintain proper pressure balancing dynamically during descent, improving reliability while keeping the control logic manageable through automated adjustments rather than complex mechanical linkages.
3Reliability
If conventional safety valves are used, then safety measurement can be activated, but air flow through the orifice cannot be controlled for proper descent speed
Solution Approach 1:
The secondary valve and flow control assembly are designed with multi-functionality to serve both safety functions and speed control functions. During normal operation, the secondary valve regulates air flow through the orifice to control descent speed. In emergency safety situations, the same valve can be fully opened to maximize air flow for rapid equalization of pressure differences, enabling the system to handle both routine speed control and emergency safety requirements with a single integrated component rather than separate specialized valves.
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
The device achieves low-power operation, reduces vibrations and jerk movements, and dynamically regulates elevator speed for safe and smooth descent, improving the riding experience.
Implementation Method 1
The perforated component includes multiple perforations to enable air circulation from outside to inside of the elevator cylinder
Implementation Method 2
The perforated component includes multiple perforations to enable air circulation from outside to inside of the elevator cylinder
Data Source
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AI summary
A pneumatic flow controlling device is disclosed. The device includes a perforated component disposed on a bottom component coupled to a top surface of a pneumatic vacuum elevator. The perforated component includes multiple perforations to enable air circulation from outside to inside of the elevator cylinder. The device also includes a diaphragm component to expand and compress based on the air circulation. The device also includes a primary valve to allow an air supply to the elevator cylinder for controlling movement of an elevator cabin within a tubular pathway based on a control signal received from an elevator controller. The device also includes a secondary valve to allow the air supply to the elevator cylinder for dynamically varying speed of the elevator cabin at one or more landing positions.