Vacuum Generator Control Valve Timing for Reduced Air Consumption

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Solution Overview

Problem

Vacuum generator devices require separate control lines for the control valve and blow-off valve, which increases the complexity and number of connections, making standardization of fluidic devices challenging.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a method where the blow-off valve is automatically actuated at the end of the control signal for the control valve, reducing the number of control lines needed, with internal control electronics allowing variable functions and a single control signal to manage both valves, and using a communication interface for signal transmission via a 4-pin or 5-pin plug connection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If separate control lines are used for the control valve and blow-off valve, then each valve can be independently controlled, but the number of control lines increases and device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveIndependent valve controlVSAvoidNumber of control lines

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the control of both the control valve and blow-off valve into a single control line. The control electronics internally generate separate control signals for both valves based on one external control signal, merging the control functions while maintaining independent valve operation capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The control electronics act as an intermediary between the single external control line and the two valves. It receives one control signal and internally processes it to generate the appropriate control signals for both the control valve and blow-off valve, eliminating the need for separate external control lines.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Device complexity

If a single control line is used for both valves, then the number of control lines is minimized, but separate independent control of the blow-off valve is lost

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveNumber of control linesVSAvoidValve control flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The control electronics automatically manage the blow-off valve timing based on the control signal received. The system serves itself by internally generating the appropriate control sequences, including automatic blow-off valve actuation at the end of the control signal, eliminating the need for external intervention while maintaining control flexibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The control system dynamically adjusts valve operation based on the control signal duration and system state. The blow-off valve is automatically actuated at the end of the control signal, and the system can adapt to different operating conditions while using a single control line, providing dynamic control flexibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Ease of operation

If the control valve remains continuously open, then air consumption increases, but simpler control is achieved

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveControl simplicityVSAvoidAir consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The control valve is actuated periodically rather than continuously. The control electronics open the control valve only when needed to maintain the desired vacuum level, and the check valve maintains the vacuum between actuations. This periodic action significantly reduces air consumption while maintaining simple control through a single control line.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

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

This solution minimizes the number of control lines required, allowing for efficient control of both valves with a single control signal, reducing air consumption and leakage losses, while maintaining negative suction pressure through a check valve, and enabling flexible operation via internal control electronics.

Implementation Method 1

at least one ejector device (27) having a suction opening (34) which is connected to the suction chamber (12) of the suction gripper (7) via a suction channel (35)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVenturi effect: Venturi Effect

Implementation Method 2

the negative suction pressure in the suction gripper arrangement then being maintained by means of a check valve connected to the ejector device

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressure differential: Pressure Gradient

Data Source

PatentEP2080913B1Device for creating a vacuum and method for operating the same

Publication Date: 2017.02.22 FESTO AG & CO KG

AI summary

The method involves connecting an inlet of an ejector device (27) of a vacuum generating device (1) with an air supply channel (32) consisting of an electrically actuatable control valve (36). A suction channel (35) is attached at a suction opening (34) of the ejector device. The suction channel is connected with a suction gripper and subjected to air by a blow-off valve (37) for ventilating the suction gripper. The valves are controlled by a common external control signal, where the control valve is opened when the signal begins and the blow-off valve is opened when the signal ends. An independent claim is also included for a vacuum generating device comprising a pressure detecting device.