Pneumatic Piston Damper Bypass Layout for Impact Reduction

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Solution Overview

Problem

In pneumatic or hydraulic systems, two-stage valves experience high kinetic energies when the piston is released, leading to potential damage to valve components due to the high velocity and resulting forces.

Innovation Solution

A two-stage valve design incorporating a bypass channel that extends between the first and second chambers, either through the piston or the valve body, to dampen the piston's movement and reduce the impact force on valve components, while maintaining the flow path for pressurized gas through the outlet port.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If the piston is released to unblock the output, then the flow path is opened and system performance is improved, but the piston travels at high velocity causing damage to valve components

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveflow path opening speedVSAvoidimpact force on valve components
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

A bypass channel is provided that extends between the first chamber and the second chamber to allow pressurized gas to expand into the second chamber before the piston reaches the outlet port, cushioning the piston's movement and reducing impact force on valve components

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

2Reliability

If mechanical means are used to hold the piston against the pressurized fluid input, then the valve maintains blocking position reliably, but the release mechanism adds device complexity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepiston holding reliabilityVSAvoidrelease mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The pin is extracted as a separate removable component that can be easily inserted and removed to engage or disengage the piston, simplifying the release mechanism while maintaining reliable holding through the mechanical interference fit between the pin and piston

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

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 bypass channel effectively reduces the piston's velocity and the resulting forces upon activation, preventing damage to the valve components and ensuring efficient gas flow without leakage, while simplifying manufacturing and reducing costs through additive manufacturing techniques.

Implementation Method 1

A bypass channel is provided that extends between the first chamber and the second chamber. The bypass channel may extend through the piston or through the valve body. The piston may be positioned to block an outlet port within the valve body. The second chamber may be provided with a plug to block an axial flowpath through the valve body.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGas expansion: Pressure Gradient

Implementation Method 2

A two-stage valve design incorporating a bypass channel that extends between the first and second chambers, either through the piston or the valve body, to dampen the piston's movement and reduce the impact force on valve components

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElastic force: Spring

Data Source

PatentEP3885615B1Pneumatic damper for piston used in pressure regulator
Publication Date: 2024.01.17 GOODRICH CORP
  • EP3885615B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3885615B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3885615B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A valve (1) is described comprising a valve housing body (110) extending along a central longitudinal axis (X) between a first end (11) and a second end (12). The valve housing (110) comprises a first chamber (90) at said first end (11) comprising a gas inlet (70) for receiving a gas and a second chamber (91) at said second end (12) having a plug (30) provided at said second end (12), and an inter-chamber passageway (550) connecting said first chamber (90) to said second chamber (90). The valve further comprises a gas outlet (60) provided in said inter-chamber passageway (550), and a piston (500) provided in said inter-chamber passageway (550), said piston being movable between a first position wherein said outlet is blocked by said piston and a second position wherein said outlet is not blocked by said piston. The plug (30) has a ventilation passageway (31) extending therethrough. The valve (1) further comprises a bypass channel (80, 81) configured to fluidly connect the first chamber (90) to said second chamber (91). The bypass channel (80, 81) and said ventilation passageway (31) are not aligned with each other.