Integrated Pneumatic Gauge for Fill and Vent Pressure Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pneumatic control systems for air springs and other pneumatic systems require separate pressure control switches or actuators, which are suboptimal and lack integration with pressure gauges, leading to inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
A combined pneumatic gauge and pressure control device that allows manual movement from a neutral position to fill or vent positions, enabling direct control of compressed air flow into or out of the system through rotational or sliding motion, integrating pressure sensing and control functions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If separate pressure control switches or actuators are used, then pressure control function is provided, but device complexity increases and integration with pressure gauge is lacking
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the pressure gauge and pressure control valve into a single integrated device. The gauge housing and valve body are merged into one component, allowing the user to control air flow (fill/vent operations) directly through the gauge mechanism. This eliminates the need for separate control switches or actuators, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining both pressure indication and control functions in one unified device.
2Ease of operation
If separate control actuators are used, then pressure control is achieved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to multiple separate controls
Solution Approach 1:
The control valve and pressure gauge are merged into a single operable unit. The user interacts with one device to both monitor pressure and control air flow, eliminating the need to operate separate switches or actuators. The gauge face itself serves as the control interface, with operational positions (fill, vent, neutral) directly indicated on the gauge display.
Solution Approach 2:
The pressure gauge serves multiple functions: it indicates pressure levels and simultaneously controls air flow to and from the pneumatic system. The single device performs both measurement and control tasks, allowing one component to fulfill multiple roles that would traditionally require separate devices.
3Ease of operation
If manual control mechanisms are used, then ease of operation is maintained, but productivity decreases due to manual intervention requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated gauge-valve device allows the system to self-regulate through direct user interaction with the pressure indication. The visual pressure feedback on the gauge enables users to make immediate, informed control decisions without external monitoring equipment or complex control systems, improving operational efficiency through simplified self-service control.
Data Source
AI summary
A pneumatic gauge and pressure control device includes a pneumatic gauge that is manually movable from a neutral position to: (i) a fill position for compressed air to flow from a compressed air source into a system; or (ii) a vent position for compressed air to be vented from the system. The pneumatic gauge can rotate or slide from the neutral position to the fill and vent positions. A method for controlling a flow of compressed air with respect to a pneumatic system includes manually moving a pneumatic pressure gauge from a neutral position to a fill position to cause compressed air to be communicated from an associated compressed air source into the pneumatic system and/or moving the pneumatic gauge from the neutral position or from the fill position to a vent position to cause compressed air to be vented from the pneumatic system.