Pneumatic Valve Assembly Control with Loadable Motion Applications
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pneumatic systems lack flexibility in executing different technical applications due to pre-configured pneumatic movement tasks, limiting their adaptability and increasing costs and installation complexity.
Innovation Solution
An electronic valve controller and method for open-loop and closed-loop control of a pneumatic valve assembly that allows loading and execution of different applications on a microprocessor-based system, enabling real-time adaptation and optimization of movement tasks using internal and external measurement signals and control variables.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If pneumatic systems use pre-configured movement tasks, then the system structure is simplified, but the adaptability to different technical applications is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal application loader that can execute different application programs on the same pneumatic control system. The control device is designed to load and run multiple applications from external sources (USB, SD card, network), allowing one system to perform multiple different pneumatic movement tasks without hardware changes, thus achieving multi-functionality and adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from static pre-configured control to dynamic reconfigurable control. The application loader enables the system to dynamically load, execute, and switch between different application programs during operation, allowing the pneumatic system to adapt its behavior based on different technical applications without requiring physical reconfiguration.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple applications are supported, then system flexibility is improved, but installation complexity and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of having separate control systems for different applications, the patent uses a single control device that loads digital copies of different application programs. The application loader reads and executes application code from external storage media or network sources, eliminating the need for multiple physical control systems and reducing installation complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple application execution capabilities into a single integrated control device. The application loader merges the functions of loading, storing, and executing different applications within one control unit, consolidating what would traditionally require multiple separate systems into a single unified platform.
3Ease of manufacture
If pre-configured valve functions are used, then the configuration process is simplified, but the ability to implement different technical applications is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary configuration by loading application programs that contain pre-defined valve control sequences and parameters. The application loader reads application code that has been prepared in advance, which includes all necessary control instructions for specific pneumatic movements, thus simplifying the on-site configuration process while maintaining adaptability to different applications.
Solution Approach 2:
The system achieves adaptability through parameter changes in the application programs rather than hardware changes. Different technical applications are implemented by loading applications with different control parameters, valve sequences, and timing settings, allowing the same physical system to be reconfigured for different purposes by simply changing the software parameters.
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic valve controller for an open-loop and closed-loop control of a valve island includes four or eight valve disks having pneumatic valves configured to perform a motion task. Applications for the open-loop and closed-loop control of the valve island can be loaded onto the electronic valve controller. The invention further relates to a valve assembly, which is controlled in an open-loop and closed-loop manner by an electronic valve controller, to a corresponding method, and to a system.