Vacuum Ejector Leakage Diagnosis via Control Time Comparison
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vacuum generator devices require expensive hardware for reliable monitoring due to high processing demands, and existing monitoring methods are inefficient in detecting leakage and system malfunctions.
Innovation Solution
A method and device that record and compare the control time between air supply switching events to generate a diagnostic signal, using reference time values to assess leakage and initiate corrective actions, allowing for cost-effective monitoring without counting control processes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If monitoring device records the number of control processes to detect leakage and malfunctions, then reliability of monitoring is improved, but device complexity and hardware cost increase due to high processing power demands
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential diagnostic information by recording only the control times (t1, t2, t3) rather than continuously monitoring and processing all control process data. This selective extraction reduces the processing burden while maintaining diagnostic capability, directly resolving the contradiction between monitoring reliability and hardware complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent pre-calculates and stores reference time values that represent normal operating conditions. By having these reference values prepared in advance, the system can perform simple comparisons during operation without requiring complex real-time analysis, thereby maintaining reliability while reducing processing demands and hardware requirements
2Loss of energy
If air supply is switched on and off based on negative pressure thresholds, then compressed air consumption is minimized, but system responsiveness deteriorates due to repeated switching cycles
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by continuously monitoring negative pressure and using it to control air supply switching. The system switches off air supply when negative pressure reaches threshold pso and switches on when it drops to psu, creating a responsive feedback loop that minimizes compressed air consumption while maintaining adequate vacuum levels for object handling
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the air supply system dynamic by adjusting its operation based on real-time negative pressure conditions. Rather than continuous operation, the system dynamically switches between on and off states based on pressure thresholds, optimizing energy consumption while maintaining system responsiveness through rapid switching 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
Enables reliable and cost-effective monitoring of vacuum generator devices by assessing leakage intensity and initiating appropriate actions, reducing the need for expensive hardware and improving diagnostic accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
an ejector device, the inlet of which is connected to an air supply duct and the suction side of which is connected to a suction duct
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
The invention relates to a vacuum generating device (1) and to a method suitable for the operation thereof. An ejector unit (27) is connected with an inlet (29) thereof to an air supply channel (32) that can be selectively closed or opened by an electronic control unit (14) in order to selectively turn off or turn on the ejector unit (27). When the ejector device (27) is turned on, a negative pressure is generated in a suction channel (35). The ejector unit (27) is operated such that the negative pressure fluctuates between an upper switching value and a lower switching value. By comparison to a reference value, the operating period of the ejector unit (27) is determined in order to generate a diagnosis signal that allows a conclusion of the leak that is present.