Valve Module System With Interchangeable Channel Plates

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing valve module systems for compressed air supply lack flexibility in adapting to different compressed air consumer requirements.

Innovation Solution

A valve module system comprising a carrier plate with multiple interfaces for attaching valve modules, each with a valve housing and channel plate for fluid connection, allowing for flexible configuration of valve assemblies and fluid channels to meet various consumer needs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a fixed valve module configuration is used, then the system structure is simple, but the adaptability to different compressed air consumer requirements is poor

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to different compressed air consumer requirementsVSAvoidsystem structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The valve module system is divided into independent, interchangeable components including valve modules, channel plates, and carrier plates. Each valve module can be independently selected and configured based on specific compressed air consumer requirements, allowing the system to adapt to different applications without redesigning the entire system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The standardized interface design with uniform connection elements allows the same carrier plate and channel plate structures to work with different valve modules and compressed air consumers. The universal interface enables a single platform to serve multiple functions and configurations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Productivity

If multiple valve modules are integrated into a fixed system, then the compressed air supply efficiency is improved, but the flexibility to reconfigure for different consumers is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecompressed air supply efficiencyVSAvoidflexibility to reconfigure

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system transitions from a static, fixed configuration to a dynamic, reconfigurable architecture. Valve modules can be added, removed, or repositioned on the carrier plate based on changing requirements, allowing the system to optimize performance for different compressed air consumers while maintaining efficient multi-point supply capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Ease of operation

If standardized interfaces are used for valve module attachment, then the ease of assembly and disassembly is improved, but the precision of fluid channel alignment may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of assembly and disassemblyVSAvoidfluid channel alignment precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The connection elements incorporate self-aligning features where the mounting structure automatically guides and positions the valve modules relative to the channel plates. This self-alignment mechanism ensures precise fluid channel connections without requiring complex adjustment procedures, maintaining both ease of assembly and alignment precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS20250198431A1Valve module system

Publication Date: 2025.06.19 FESTO AG & CO KG

AI summary

Valve module system for supplying compressed air to a compressed air consumer, in which valve modules can be provided with differently configured channel plates in order to enter into fluid communication with fluid channels of a carrier plate, with several connecting channels are formed, which are designed to connect a first valve connection and a second valve connection of a valve assembly to a channel opening of a fluid channel.