Motorized Pneumatic Flow Fitting With Spool Position Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing flow control devices in pneumatic systems are cumbersome to adjust, lack efficient calibration, and require bulky motors, which are not space-compatible, and often require additional sensors increasing complexity and size.
Innovation Solution
A function fitting with a permanent magnet rotary electric motor, transmission means to convert rotary to linear movement, and an angular position transducer to control a spool for precise fluid flow regulation, allowing remote control and reducing device size by eliminating the need for bulky motors and external sensors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If a permanent magnet rotary electric motor with angular position transducer is used, then control precision and automation are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the motor, transmission means, and angular position transducer into an integrated control unit that directly actuates the spool. This consolidation reduces the number of separate components and simplifies the overall control system architecture while maintaining automated functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The control means serves multiple functions: the permanent magnet motor provides actuation force, the transmission means converts rotary to linear motion, and the angular position transducer provides feedback for closed-loop control. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components for each function.
2Adaptability or versatility
If transmission means are used to convert rotary movement to linear movement, then motor compatibility is improved, but device size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The transmission means is designed to be compact and nested within the existing fitting structure. The conversion mechanism from rotary to linear motion is integrated into the spool assembly, allowing the motor to be positioned within or adjacent to the fitting without significantly increasing overall volume.
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
Enables precise and efficient control of fluid flow with reduced size and complexity, allowing for automatic regulation of the restriction element, improving calibration efficiency and compatibility with space-constrained pneumatic systems.
Implementation Method 1
a rotary electric motor, in particular of the permanent magnet type, suitable to move the spool
Implementation Method 2
transmission means suitable to operationally connect the motor and the spool so as to convert the rotary movement of the motor into linear movement of the spool
Data Source
AI summary
A function fitting is provided, for regulating the fluid flow in a pneumatic system, including a first connector configured to make a fluidic through connection with a pipe of the system, a second connector configured to make a fluidic through connection with a pipe of the system, a restriction element arranged between the first connector and the second connector and including a spool configured to allow or obturate the passage of fluid between the connectors, controller operationally connected to the spool and including a rotary electric motor configured to move the spool, and transmission configured to connect the motor and the spool operationally in such a way as to convert the rotary movement of the motor into a linear movement of the spool, and an electrical connector configured to electrically connect the controller to an external electrical system, wherein the controller includes an angular position transducer configured to detect the angular position of the motor.