2/2-way valve venting for air blast device wear reduction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing air blast devices using 3/2-way valves suffer from high maintenance and manufacturing costs due to wear and tear, as well as complex valve designs, which increase operational expenses and reduce service life.

Innovation Solution

The use of a 2/2-way valve for venting the piston antechamber in the air blast device, eliminating the need for a 3/2-way valve and reducing valve wear, with a spring mechanism to ensure reliable closure and unthrottled filling for faster readiness and safer operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a 3/2-way valve is used to control the valve unit and compressed air supply, then the valve can perform both venting and air supply functions, but the valve is subject to high wear and tear leading to high maintenance costs and reduced service life

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevalve functionalityVSAvoidservice life
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the control system into two separate valves: a 2/2-way valve exclusively for venting the piston antechamber and a 2/2-way valve exclusively for controlling compressed air supply to the pressure vessel. This segmentation eliminates the wear and tear problem of the 3/2-way valve by distributing functions to dedicated valves with simpler designs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extracts the venting function from the 3/2-way valve and assigns it to a dedicated 2/2-way valve. This extraction allows the venting valve to have a simpler structure with fewer connections, reducing wear and maintenance requirements while maintaining the necessary adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Adaptability or versatility

If a 3/2-way valve is used with multiple connections, then the valve can control both venting and compressed air supply, but the procurement costs and manufacturing costs are high

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevalve control capabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the control functions into two separate 2/2-way valves, each with fewer connections and simpler construction. This segmentation reduces the complexity and manufacturing cost of each individual valve while maintaining the overall control capability of the system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs simpler 2/2-way valves instead of complex 3/2-way valves, using cheaper components that are easier to manufacture and replace. This approach reduces procurement costs and manufacturing expenses while achieving the same functional outcomes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Volume of stationary object

If the piston antechamber volume is small (less than 1 liter), then the device is compact, but the 3/2-way valve still experiences wear from controlling the entire air flow

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepiston antechamber volumeVSAvoidvalve wear
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of stationary objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the air flow control by directing the entire compressed air supply flow through a dedicated supply valve rather than through the venting 2/2-way valve. This segmentation ensures that the venting valve experiences minimal wear from only controlling the small antechamber volume, while the supply valve handles the main flow with a design optimized for that purpose.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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 configuration significantly reduces maintenance costs, increases service life, and allows for quicker filling and safer ventilation, enhancing the economic and technical efficiency of the air blast system.

Implementation Method 1

A spring closes the piston in the valve unit as soon as the pressure in the pressure vessel has dropped accordingly

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSpring mechanism: Spring

Implementation Method 2

When the 2/2-way valve is in the 'Open' switching position, the piston antechamber is vented and the valve unit suddenly moves into an open position in which the piston releases the outlet opening of the container, causing the medium stored in the pressure container to suddenly escape

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPressure differential: Pressure Gradient

Data Source

PatentEP2272776B1Device for percussive expulsion of gaseous media
Publication Date: 2014.10.29 AGRILUX BETEILIGUNGS
  • EP2272776B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2272776B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2272776B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

The device has a valve unit provided with a valve cylinder (2) and a piston (3), where the piston is moved to the valve unit for sudden blowing of gaseous medium. The valve unit closes and opens a discharge point (18) by a valve seat (8), where the gaseous medium is blown out by the discharge point. A 2/2-way-valve (5) is provided for the exhaustion of the piston antechamber (4) of the valve unit for bringing down the device. The piston antechamber is formed in the valve unit between the piston and the valve cylinder in relation to a cover (10) locking the discharge point.