Rotary Air Supply Valve Using Enclosure Space to Cut Size
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional air supply devices with flow path switching units become larger due to the presence of grooves on the outer circumference of the rotary valve, leading to increased size and complexity.
Innovation Solution
The air supply device incorporates a rotating part with an enclosure interior space communication portion on its outer portion and a groove portion on its inner portion, allowing the sealed interior space to function as a flow path without the need for grooves on the outer circumference, and includes a control unit to manage the flow paths for efficient air supply and exhaust.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If grooves are provided on the outer circumference of the rotary valve to form flow paths, then air supply and exhaust functions are achieved, but the flow path switching unit becomes larger and the air supply device becomes larger
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the flow path formation function from the outer circumference grooves and relocates it to the inner circumference grooves. The sealed interior space of the enclosure is utilized as the air supply flow path, eliminating the need for outer circumference grooves. This extraction reduces the size of the flow path switching unit while maintaining the air supply and exhaust functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealed interior space of the enclosure serves multiple functions: it stores air and simultaneously functions as an air supply flow path. The rotating part with inner circumference grooves provides both flow path switching and structural support. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, thereby reducing overall device size.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple grooves are provided in the flow path switching unit, then multiple flow paths are enabled, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the flow path switching function with the rotation control function into a single rotating part. The inner circumference grooves are integrated into the rotating part structure, eliminating the need for separate flow path components. This merging reduces device complexity while maintaining multiple flow path capability through rotational positioning.
Data Source
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AI summary
An air supply device (100) comprises an enclosure (1), a pump (2) and a flow path switching unit (3). The flow path switching unit (3) includes a pedestal part (31), a rotating part (32) having an enclosure interior space communication portion (32a) and a groove portion (32b), and a drive unit (8). The enclosure includes an air supply port (11), an air discharge port (12), and at least one object connection port (13). The pedestal part (31) includes at least one first hole (31a) that is communicated to the at least one object connection port (13), and a second hole (31b) that is communicated to the air discharge port (12). The enclosure interior space communication portion (32a) is communicated to the air supply port (11) through an interior space of the enclosure. The groove portion (32b) is separated from the enclosure interior space communication portion (32a).