Single-Tube Fluid Compressor for Compact Transfer and Depressurization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing compressors used for fluid transfer and depressurization are complex and costly due to separate assembly of air and gas cylinders, requiring multiple parts and increased manufacturing costs.
Innovation Solution
A single-tube compressor unit is introduced, integrating an actuation cylinder and compression cylinder within a single casing, reducing the number of parts and complexity, and allowing for pneumatic, hydraulic, or electrical actuation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate air and gas cylinders are assembled, then functional reliability is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the air cylinder and gas cylinder into a single integrated assembly where the air cylinder serves dual purposes: as the actuation mechanism and as part of the compression system. This merging reduces the number of separate components while maintaining the functional reliability of having both air supply and compression capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The air cylinder is designed to serve multiple functions: it acts as the actuation cylinder for driving the piston, as a storage chamber for compressed air, and as part of the overall compression system. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated components for each function.
2Reliability
If separate air and gas cylinders are assembled, then functional reliability is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the air and gas cylinders into a single integrated assembly, the patent reduces manufacturing steps, material requirements, and assembly operations. This single assembly approach lowers production costs while maintaining the functional reliability of having both air supply and compression capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The multi-functional air cylinder design reduces the total component count and material usage, directly lowering manufacturing costs. The single assembly can be produced more efficiently than multiple separate cylinders, while still providing all necessary functions for reliable operation.
3Reliability
If multiple parts are used in assembly, then functional reliability is improved, but the number of parts and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple functional components into a single integrated assembly, reducing the number of discrete parts from two separate cylinders to one unified structure. This reduction in part quantity simplifies the system while maintaining functional reliability through the multi-functional design.
Solution Approach 2:
The air cylinder is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously, eliminating the need for separate dedicated components. This universal design reduces the total number of parts required while ensuring all necessary functions are present for reliable operation.
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 single-tube compressor unit simplifies manufacturing, reduces costs, and enables efficient fluid transfer and depressurization by minimizing parts and facilitating compact design, with the option for series or parallel arrangements to adjust compression rates.
Implementation Method 1
the piston slidable relative to the compression cylinder to compress the fluid therein
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus to compress a fluid is disclosed herein. The example apparatus includes a casing, a first end plate, a second end plate, a third end plate, and a fourth end plate coupled to the casing, a first chamber and a second chamber defined in the casing between the first end plate and the second end plate, a third chamber and a fourth chamber defined in the casing between the third end plate and the fourth end plate, a first piston positioned in the casing between the first and second chambers, an air supply fluidly coupled to the first and second chambers, a second piston operatively coupled to the first piston, and a stroke end switch coupled to one of the first end plate, the second end plate, the third end plate, or the fourth end plate.