Pneumatic Piston Venting With Switchable Flow Resistance Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pneumatic actuators face challenges in achieving precise control of piston movement across varying loads and orientations due to the complexity of adapting throttle flow cross sections, leading to jolts and shocks.
Innovation Solution
A pneumatic device with a line network designed for varying flow resistances in multiple stages or quasi-continuously, allowing independent adjustment of piston movement through dissimilar flow resistances, controlled by sensors and a valve assembly.
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 can be decelerated smoothly, but the device complexity increases and optimal adjustment for all operating situations cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The pneumatic actuator is segmented into multiple chambers (first chamber and second chamber) with independent flow resistance control. Each chamber can be vented through separate line branches with different flow resistances, allowing independent control of piston deceleration in both directions without requiring complex adjustable throttles.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses dynamically switchable flow resistance configurations through the valve assembly. The system can switch between different operating states that connect different line branches (with different flow resistances) to different chambers, enabling adaptive control for varying external forces and orientations without mechanical throttle adjustment.
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 deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Different line branches are assigned different flow resistance characteristics tailored to specific control needs. The first line branch has a first flow resistance and the second line branch has a second flow resistance, allowing optimized local control characteristics for different chambers and operating conditions without complicating the overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve assembly serves multiple functions: it controls the direction of piston movement, selects which chamber to vent, chooses which line branch to connect, and thereby selects the appropriate flow resistance. This multi-functional valve assembly achieves precise position control while maintaining a relatively simple line network structure.
3Manufacturing precision
If the throttle is adapted to operating conditions to achieve optimal motion pattern, then the piston movement precision is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to adaptation requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The control installation receives feedback about the operating conditions (external forces, orientation, piston position) and automatically selects the appropriate operating state of the valve assembly. This feedback mechanism enables the system to adapt to varying conditions and maintain optimal piston motion patterns without requiring manual throttle adjustment by the operator.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-adjustment through automatic selection of valve assembly operating states based on detected conditions. The control installation autonomously determines which line branch to connect to which chamber, thereby selecting the appropriate flow resistance without external intervention, making the system easy to operate while maintaining precise motion control.
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 movement, independent of external forces and orientation, reducing jolts and shocks by adjusting flow resistance based on sensor data, enhancing control complexity and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
the flow resistance prevalent when air or other gases flow out of the respective chamber has the effect that a movement of the piston is decelerated
Data Source
AI summary
A pneumatic device having a pneumatic cylinder and a piston movably mounted in the pneumatic cylinder to divide an interior of the pneumatic cylinder into two chambers. The chambers are connected to a line network having a valve assembly. The line network, in a plurality of operating states of the valve assembly serving for venting the respective chamber, connects the respective chamber to at least a respective selected one of a plurality of outflow openings, of the pneumatic device, and in a further operating state of the valve assembly, disconnects the respective chamber from the outflow opening. A control installation of the pneumatic device adjusts the operating state of the valve assembly. The line network is designed so that, in at least three of the operating states for venting the respective chamber, the connection between the respective chamber and the outflow opening is established by mutually dissimilar flow resistances.