Suction System Throttle Valve Sensing for Dynamic Power Adaptation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing suction systems face challenges in efficiently adapting suction power to varying requirements across different workstations, leading to unnecessary energy consumption and fluctuations in suction power.

Innovation Solution

A sensor is used to record the position of the throttle valve and transmit signals to the suction system, allowing for precise adjustment of suction power at each workstation, ensuring optimal suction conditions and reducing energy usage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If suction power is increased to meet peak demands at any workstation, then sufficient suction is provided at all times, but energy consumption increases unnecessarily during periods of lower demand

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesuction power availabilityVSAvoidenergy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The suction system dynamically adjusts its total suction power based on real-time feedback from sensors at each workstation. The control device continuously monitors throttle valve positions and modifies the central suction unit's power output accordingly, transitioning from static to dynamic operation to match actual demand and reduce energy consumption.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

Sensors at each workstation detect the position of throttle valves and transmit this information to the control device, which then adjusts the suction power. This closed-loop feedback system enables the suction system to respond automatically to changing requirements, ensuring reliable suction availability while optimizing energy usage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Adaptability or versatility

If manual adjustment of throttle valves is used at each workstation, then individual suction requirements can be adjusted, but the central suction system cannot adapt automatically leading to power fluctuations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveindividual suction adjustmentVSAvoidautomatic adaptation
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

Sensors detect throttle valve positions at each workstation and transmit this data to the control device, which automatically adjusts the central suction system's power output. This feedback mechanism eliminates the need for manual adaptation while preserving individual workstation adjustability, reducing operational complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The manual mechanical adjustment system is supplemented with electronic sensors and a control device that automatically process throttle valve position information and adjust suction power accordingly, replacing the need for manual system-wide adjustments with automated electronic control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Loss of energy

If the suction system is equipped with sensors and control devices to adapt suction power, then energy efficiency improves, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergy efficiencyVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses sensors to detect throttle valve positions and a control device to process this information and adjust suction power automatically. This feedback-based automation reduces energy loss by matching suction power to actual demand while managing system complexity through intelligent control rather than mechanical complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The suction system monitors its own operational state through sensors and automatically adjusts its power consumption based on detected throttle valve positions. This self-service capability improves energy efficiency by enabling the system to autonomously optimize its performance without requiring complex external control infrastructure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP3827724B1Suction system and actuation element and control method for a suction system
Publication Date: 2022.12.07 KLEPP ABSAUGANLAGEN GMBH
  • EP3827724B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3827724B1 patent drawingFigure 2a
  • EP3827724B1 patent drawingFigure 2b

AI summary

An extraction system comprising an extraction unit (1), a plurality of suction points (10, 10') fluidically connected to the extraction unit (1), each with a throttle valve (11) at each suction point (10, 10'), and a means (12) for manually adjusting the throttle valve (11), is further developed by a sensor (11a, 11b, 13) for detecting the position of the throttle valve (11) and by a signal communication device (14) connecting the sensor (11a, 11b, 13) to the extraction unit (1). The invention also relates to an actuating device for such an extraction system and a control method for it.