Variable Volume Pneumatic Reservoir for Extreme Temperature Operation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing pneumatic systems for motor vehicles fail to function satisfactorily under extreme temperatures and are not cost-effectively constructed, particularly in maintaining gaseous pressure transmission media.

Innovation Solution

A pneumatic system with a compressor, a variable volume pneumatic reservoir, and pneumatically actuable actuators that operate with dry air or nitrogen, featuring a low-pressure reservoir and a vane or piston compressor, along with a microfilter and pressure sensors to prevent freezing and maintain system integrity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a traditional high-pressure pneumatic reservoir is used, then the system can store sufficient pressure transmission medium, but the system costs increase and the reservoir cannot adapt to extreme temperatures without freezing

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprevention of actuator freezingVSAvoidsystem construction cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the pressure parameter from traditional high pressure to low pressure (approximately 1.2 bar), which prevents freezing of the actuator while maintaining system functionality. This parameter change resolves the contradiction by eliminating the need for expensive heating systems while ensuring reliable operation in extreme temperatures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs a variable volume reservoir that can dynamically adjust its capacity. The reservoir expands when more storage is needed and contracts when less is needed, allowing the system to maintain sufficient pressure transmission medium without requiring a permanently large, expensive reservoir structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Duration of action of moving object

If a large fixed-volume reservoir is used to store sufficient pressure transmission medium, then the system can operate extended periods, but the system cannot adapt to varying construction spaces

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperation durationVSAvoidconstruction space adaptation

Core Design Contradiction:

Duration of action of moving objectVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The variable volume reservoir can dynamically adjust its capacity based on operational needs and available space. The reservoir expands to provide extended operation duration when needed and contracts to fit into limited construction spaces, simultaneously satisfying both requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The reservoir is constructed with flexible materials that allow it to change volume. This flexible construction enables the reservoir to adapt to varying construction spaces while maintaining sufficient capacity for extended operation periods.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

3Ease of manufacture

If a closed pneumatic system is used to prevent contamination, then the system requires minimal maintenance, but pressure losses from leakage cannot be compensated

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemaintenance requirementsVSAvoidpressure transmission medium quantity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The variable volume reservoir automatically compensates for pressure losses from leakage by expanding to admit additional pressure transmission medium. This self-adjusting mechanism maintains system pressure without requiring active monitoring or manual intervention, preserving the low-maintenance advantage of closed systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system employs pressure sensors that provide feedback on the pressure transmission medium quantity. When pressure drops due to leakage, the feedback signal triggers the reservoir to expand and replenish the medium, automatically compensating for losses while maintaining system integrity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

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

The system effectively prevents actuator freezing at low temperatures, maintains low production costs, and adapts to varying construction spaces, while compensating for pressure losses and ensuring reliable operation with minimal drying agent usage.

Implementation Method 1

The compressor enables the gaseous pressure transmission medium to be conveyed out of the pneumatic reservoir into the actuator or out of the actuator into the pneumatic reservoir

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCompression: Compression

Implementation Method 2

The reservoir may be formed from a flexible and/or elastic material. The reservoir volume can be delimited, for example, by a flexible plastics film arranged within a cage-like housing

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 3

The pneumatic reservoir may contain a drying agent. Only a small quantity of drying agent is required since the system normally is closed

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAdsorption: Adsorption

Data Source

PatentUS8408634B2Pneumatic system

Publication Date: 2013.04.02 DR ING H C F PORSCHE AG

AI summary

A pneumatic system has a compressor (8), a pneumatic reservoir (20) for a gaseous pressure transmission medium, at least one valve device (12) and at least one pneumatically actuable actuator (4). To provide satisfactory functioning even under extreme temperatures, and to provide a simple cost effective construction, the pneumatic reservoir (20) to which the compressor (8) is connected has a variable volume.