Pneumatic Volume Booster for Large Actuator Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Large pneumatic actuators with volumes over 2000 cm3 face challenges in achieving quick and precise control due to cumbersome pneumatic connections and complex control system adaptations, leading to overshooting and prolonged response times, especially when multiple boosters are serially or parallelly connected, which increases tubing complexity and pneumatic signal deterioration.
Innovation Solution
A compact pneumatic volume booster that can be directly attached to a pneumatic actuator or position controller, featuring a 3/3-(5/3)-way valve with safety forcing means and bypass valves, allowing for precise control through aeration, de-aeration, and amplification functions, reducing the need for extensive tubing and simplifying control system adaptations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multiple pneumatic boosters are connected in series or parallel to supply large amounts of air to the pneumatic actuator, then the positioning speed and displacement volume stream are increased, but the tubing complexity and pneumatic signal deterioration increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple valve functions (aeration valve, de-aeration valve, bypass valve) and booster functions into a single integrated pneumatic volume booster device. This merging eliminates the need for multiple separate boosters and their associated tubing connections, thereby reducing tubing complexity while maintaining the capability to supply large amounts of air quickly to the pneumatic actuator.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated pneumatic volume booster performs multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as an aeration valve, de-aeration valve, bypass valve, and volume booster all in one device. This multi-functionality allows the single device to replace multiple separate components, reducing the overall system complexity and tubing requirements while achieving the desired positioning speed and air volume delivery.
2Productivity
If multiple pneumatic boosters are connected in series or parallel to supply large amounts of air to the pneumatic actuator, then the positioning speed and displacement volume stream are increased, but pneumatic signal deterioration occurs
Solution Approach 1:
By merging all valve and booster functions into a single integrated device, the patent eliminates multiple pneumatic connections between separate components. This single-point architecture prevents signal deterioration that would occur through multiple tubing joints and connections, while still delivering the required large displacement volume stream to the actuator.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated pneumatic volume booster acts as a single intermediary device between the position controller and the pneumatic actuator, consolidating all signal processing and air delivery functions in one location. This eliminates the need for multiple intermediary connections that would otherwise cause signal deterioration, while maintaining the ability to supply large volumes of air quickly.
3Productivity
If a pneumatic volume booster is deployed to supply large amounts of air quickly, then the positioning speed is increased, but the control precision deteriorates due to friction forces and lengthy response time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic control capabilities within the integrated pneumatic volume booster, allowing the valve openings and air flow rates to be continuously adjusted based on control signals. This dynamic adjustment enables precise control of small positioning changes while maintaining the capability for large, fast movements, thereby achieving both high positioning speed and high control precision simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated device allows for dynamic parameter changes in pneumatic signal delivery, adjusting pressure, flow rate, and valve openings in real-time according to control requirements. This parameter control enables the system to deliver large amounts of air quickly when needed while maintaining precise control for small positioning adjustments, resolving the contradiction between speed and precision.
4Reliability
If additional pneumatic valves are deployed to satisfy operational requirements, then the operational requirements are met, but the device complexity and tubing requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated pneumatic volume booster incorporates multiple valve functions (aeration, de-aeration, bypass) within a single device, eliminating the need for multiple separate pneumatic valves. This multi-functional design meets all operational requirements while significantly reducing device complexity and the number of components that would otherwise be required.
Solution Approach 2:
By merging multiple valve functions into one integrated pneumatic volume booster, the patent satisfies all operational requirements (aeration, de-aeration, bypass control) without requiring multiple separate valves and their associated tubing connections, thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining full operational capability.
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
The pneumatic volume booster enables fast and precise control of large pneumatic actuators by reducing tubing complexity and allowing for quick and safe realization of both small and large pneumatic signal changes, minimizing overshooting and response time, while maintaining low structural effort and enabling modular construction systems.
Implementation Method 1
A pneumatic volume booster, which can be attached between a pneumatic position controller and a pneumatic control actuator having a control armature, such as a control valve, of a processing plant, serves for aerating and/or for de-aerating
Data Source
AI summary
A pneumatic volume booster to amplify a control pressure output signal can include a pneumatic control outlet for attachment to a pneumatic working chamber of the pneumatic actuator; a pneumatic aeration inlet configured to receive the pneumatic control pressure signal from the position controller, a pneumatic amplification inlet configured to receive a constant pneumatic air amplification signal, a pneumatic de-aeration connection from the control outlet to a pressure sink configured to aerate the control actuator, a deaerator seat-valve separating and/or opening the pneumatic de-aeration connection, a pneumatic aeration connection between the first aeration inlet and the control outlet; an aerator seat-valve separating and/or opening the pneumatic aeration connection, a pneumatic amplification connection between the amplification inlet and the control outlet; an amplification seat-valve separating and/or opening the pneumatic amplification connection; and a mechanical seat-valve-operator for commonly operating the de-aeration seat-valve, the first aerator seat-valve and the amplification seat-valve.