Pneumatic Control Valve With Three-Position Tactile Actuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Industrial pneumatic control valves used in frequent operations, such as those in industrial vehicles, often require frequent and precise actuation, which can be cumbersome and difficult to use, especially when operated frequently throughout the day.
Innovation Solution
The pneumatic control valve is designed with an actuation mechanism that moves along a single axis, featuring a resting position, an intermediary position, and a second pushed position, providing distinct states with varying actuation forces, allowing intuitive state selection without the need for additional status indicators, and is adapted for easy operation by hand or foot.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the control valve is designed with multiple positions along a single axis including an intermediary position, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The actuation portion is divided into multiple distinct positions (resting position, first pushed position, second pushed position) along a single axis, with each position corresponding to a different control state. This segmentation allows the operator to select different states through simple linear displacement without complex mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The control valve incorporates variable actuation forces across different positions, with the first pushed position requiring a first actuation force and the second pushed position requiring a second actuation force. This dynamic force variation provides tactile feedback and intuitive state selection, improving ease of operation.
2Ease of operation
If the control valve provides distinct actuation forces for different positions, then the ease of operation is improved through intuitive feedback, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the actuation force parameter across different positions of the actuation portion. The first pushed position is designed to require a first actuation force, while the second pushed position requires a second actuation force, creating distinct tactile feedback that helps operators intuitively identify and select the desired control state without requiring complex mechanical indicators.
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 enhances the ergonomic usability of the control valve, making it easier and more intuitive to operate, reducing the need for complex installations and providing sensitive feedback, thus improving operational efficiency and user experience.
Implementation Method 1
the displacement of the actuation portion is done by translation along a same axis
Data Source
AI summary
This industrial apparatus (2) comprises a pneumatic system (4), a first mechanical device (36) and a second mechanical device (38). The pneumatic system (4) includes: a first pneumatic actuator (6) for commanding the first mechanical device (36), a second pneumatic actuator (8) for commanding the second mechanical device (38), a pneumatic control valve (10) switchable between several states to command of the first and second actuators (6, 8). The control valve (10) comprises an actuation portion (56), movable in translation between: a resting position, corresponding to a first state (S1), a first pushed position, corresponding to a second state (S2), and a second pushed position, corresponding to a third state (S3). The first pushed position corresponds to an intermediary position between the resting position and the second pushed position.