Pneumatic Switching Valve with Throttled Reset Pressure Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pneumatically operated switching valves require complex interconnections for periodic pneumatic pressure supply, which complicates their application, especially in therapeutically supporting respiration and other safety-critical areas where electrical components are undesirable.
Innovation Solution
A pneumatically operated switching valve with a 3/2-way valve design, featuring a switching valve chamber with three air channels, a pneumatic actuator divided into an actuation and reset chamber, and a reset pressure channel with a dynamic pressure channel and outlet throttle, allowing for reduced pressure supply channels and adjustable second control pressure through a control throttle.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional pneumatically actuated switching valves are used with independent pressure supply lines for different pressure signals, then the valve can perform switching functions, but the pneumatic circuit becomes complex and requires complicated wiring
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple pressure supply functions into a single compressed air supply line. The switching valve chamber receives compressed air through one supply line, and the pneumatic actuator is also supplied with compressed air through the same line. This merging eliminates the need for multiple independent pressure supply lines and reduces circuit complexity while maintaining full switching functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The single compressed air supply line serves multiple functions: it supplies pressure to the switching valve chamber for actuation, provides pressure to the pneumatic actuator for valve member movement, and enables periodic pressure supply through the main air channel. This multi-functionality reduces the overall complexity of the pneumatic circuit.
2Reliability
If multiple independent pressure supply lines are used for the switching valve and pneumatic actuator, then reliable pressure control is achieved, but wiring effort and installation complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple pressure supply connections into a single compressed air supply line that branches to both the switching valve chamber and the pneumatic actuator. This reduces wiring effort and installation complexity while maintaining reliable pressure control through proper pneumatic circuit design and pressure regulation.
3Device complexity
If fixed switching functionality is implemented in pneumatically actuated valves, then the design is simple, but adaptability to different applications is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements adjustable switching functionality through a control throttle that can be positioned at different locations in the pneumatic circuit. By dynamically adjusting the throttle position and opening degree, the valve can adapt to different switching requirements and applications while maintaining a relatively simple base design. The dynamic adjustment capability provides versatility without significantly increasing structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables adaptability by allowing changes in pneumatic parameters such as pressure levels, flow rates, and timing characteristics through the control throttle and adjustable pneumatic circuit configuration. These parameter changes allow the same valve design to be adapted to different applications without requiring complete redesign.
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
This design simplifies the pneumatic circuit, reduces wiring effort, and provides adjustable switching functionality without electrical components, enhancing reliability and safety in applications like therapeutic ventilation systems.
Implementation Method 1
a pressure difference is created between the reset chamber and the atmosphere by means of an outlet throttle
Implementation Method 2
the second control pressure can be adjusted by means of a control throttle
Implementation Method 3
a first pressure force caused by a first control pressure acting on the pneumatic actuator acts against a second pressure force caused by a second control pressure
Data Source
Figure 1a~2
Figure 3~3a
Figure 3b~3e
AI summary
In a pneumatically actuated switching valve (1, 101, 201) with a switching valve chamber (10) into which three air channels (13, 14, 15, 113, 114, 115, 213, 214, 215) open, wherein the three air channels comprise an air supply channel (15, 115, 215) for receiving compressed air from a compressed air supply source (70, 110, 310), a main air channel (13, 113, 213) for venting and de-venting at least one other pneumatic component, and a vent channel (14, 114, 214) for releasing compressed air to a pressure sink, such as the atmosphere (atm), wherein a switching valve element (16) is arranged in the switching valve chamber (10) to control the air supply channel or the vent channel close, and with a pneumatic actuator (20) for actuating the switching valve element (16), which is pneumatically divided by a separating element (26) into an actuating chamber (21) and a reset chamber (22),wherein a first control pressure (p1) in the actuating chamber (21) acts against a spring return and against a second control pressure (p2) in the reset chamber (22), it is provided that the reset chamber (22) has a reset pressure channel (40) for supplying compressed air to the reset chamber (22) and a dynamic pressure channel (12, 112, 212) equipped with an outlet throttle (32) for releasing compressed air to a pressure sink, such as the atmosphere (atm).