Pneumatic Piston Venting with Multi-Stage Flow Resistance Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pneumatic actuators face challenges in achieving smooth and shock-free braking of a piston due to complex valve arrangements and varying external forces, making it difficult to maintain optimal movement patterns across different loads and orientations.
Innovation Solution
A pneumatic device with a line network designed to provide adjustable flow resistances in multiple stages or continuously, allowing for precise control of piston movement by varying the connection to outflow openings through check valves and directional control valves, independent of piston position or external forces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a damping throttle with pressure-dependent flow cross-section is used to control piston movement, then the piston deceleration can be controlled, but the device complexity increases and optimal coordination cannot be achieved for all operating situations
Solution Approach 1:
The exhaust path is segmented into multiple parallel line branches (first line branch, second line branch, third line branch) each with different flow resistances. This segmentation allows the system to provide multiple discrete flow resistance options without requiring a complex continuously adjustable throttle, thereby simplifying the overall device structure while maintaining control capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically switches between different flow resistance configurations by opening or closing specific shut-off valves in different line branches. This dynamic reconfiguration allows optimal coordination for varying operating conditions (different loads, orientations) without requiring a permanently complex adjustable mechanism.
2Device complexity
If a fixed flow resistance is used for venting the chamber, then the device structure is simplified, but the control precision of piston position and movement is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The exhaust system is divided into multiple parallel line branches with different flow resistances. This segmentation provides multiple discrete control options that enable precise piston position control without requiring a single complex continuously adjustable component, thus maintaining structural simplicity while improving control precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the flow resistance parameter by switching between different line branches with predetermined flow resistance values. This discrete parameter change approach provides sufficient control precision for various operating conditions without the complexity of continuous adjustment mechanisms.
3Measurement precision
If the flow resistance is adjusted to control piston braking, then the piston movement control is improved, but the adjustment must be adapted to each operating condition which increases operational complexity
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple line branches with different flow resistances are pre-configured in the system during design and manufacturing. This preliminary preparation of various flow resistance options eliminates the need for complex real-time adjustments during operation, as the control system can simply switch between pre-configured options based on operating conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The control device automatically selects and switches between different line branches based on sensor feedback about piston position, speed, and operating conditions. This self-service capability eliminates manual intervention for adapting to different operating conditions, maintaining operational simplicity while achieving precise control.
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple line branches with different flow resistances are used, then the piston control is improved for different operating states, but the line network structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The exhaust system is segmented into multiple parallel line branches, each with a simple predetermined flow resistance. This segmentation provides operating state adaptability through simple parallel pathways rather than a single complex adjustable path, actually reducing overall structural complexity while improving versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple line branches serve universal exhaust functions but with different flow resistance characteristics. This multi-functionality approach allows a single exhaust system to handle various operating conditions (different loads, speeds, orientations) without requiring separate specialized systems for each condition, thus improving adaptability without proportionally increasing complexity.
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 control of piston position and movement patterns, independent of external forces and orientations, by adjusting flow resistances, resulting in smoother braking and acceleration of the piston.
Implementation Method 1
the line network is designed such that in at least three of the operating states serving to vent the respective chamber, the connection of the respective chamber to the outflow opening or the respective selected outflow opening takes place with mutually different flow resistances
Data Source
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AI summary
Pneumatic device comprising a pneumatic cylinder (5) and a piston (6) movably mounted in the pneumatic cylinder (5), by which an interior space of the pneumatic cylinder (5) is divided into two chambers (7, 8), wherein the chambers (7, 8) are connected to a line network (10) of the pneumatic device (1-4) comprising a valve arrangement (9), wherein the line network (10) is configured to connect the respective chamber (7, 8) to an outlet opening (11-13) or at least one selected outlet opening (11-13) of the pneumatic device (1-4) in several operating states of the valve arrangement (9) serving to vent the respective chamber (7, 8) and to disconnect it from the outlet opening (11-13) or all outlet openings (11-13) in at least one further operating state of the valve arrangement (9), wherein a control device (14) of the pneumatic device (1-4) is designed to adjust the operating state of the valve arrangement (9),wherein the piping network (10) is designed such that in at least three of the operating states serving to vent the respective chamber (7, 8), the connection of the respective chamber (7, 8) to the outlet opening (11-13) or the respective selected outlet opening (11-13) is made with different flow resistances.