Vehicle Air Supply Device Processor Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing air supply devices for pneumatic springs in vehicles face inefficiencies due to separate inlet and outlet air lines, leading to moisture accumulation and increased manufacturing and installation costs from separate components like silencers and air filters.
Innovation Solution
A processor is placed between the compressor and check valves, functioning as both an air filter and silencer, allowing for joint intake and discharge air paths with a short outlet air line to prevent moisture accumulation, and integrating components in a module for reduced space and cost.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate inlet and outlet air lines are used, then moisture accumulation is prevented, but manufacturing costs and installation space increase due to separate components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the inlet air line and outlet air line into a single common air line, eliminating the need for separate components. The air filter and silencer are positioned to serve both inlet and outlet air flows through this shared line, reducing component count and installation space while maintaining functional separation through strategic component placement and check valve mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The common air line serves dual functions as both inlet and outlet air pathway. The air filter and silencer are designed to handle both incoming and outgoing air flows, making these components multi-functional. The check valves enable the same physical line to selectively function as inlet or outlet path depending on operational requirements.
2Device complexity
If a joint processor for intake and discharge air is used, then manufacturing costs and installation space are reduced, but moisture from outlet air may accumulate and be drawn in again
Solution Approach 1:
Check valves are introduced as intermediary elements that control and direct air flow between the common air line and the processor. These valves prevent moisture-laden outlet air from entering the inlet path by maintaining directional flow separation, while still allowing the processor to handle both inlet and outlet air through the shared line.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different functional characteristics to different sections of the common air line. The inlet portion requires filtration and silencing with longer path length, while the outlet portion can be shorter and directly connected to the processor outlet. This localized differentiation optimizes each section for its specific function while using a shared overall structure.
3Reliability
If the outlet air line is made longer, then moisture accumulation space increases, but if it is made shorter, then proper venting and moisture drainage may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The outlet air line is configured with proper slope and elevation characteristics that enable moisture to drain by gravity toward the lowest point, typically near the processor or to an external drainage point. This gravitational equipotential design ensures effective moisture removal without requiring excessive line length, as the vertical gradient provides the driving force for drainage.
4Reliability
If separate silencers and air filters are fitted to the vehicle, then filtration and silencing functions are ensured, but manufacturing costs and installation space increase
Solution Approach 1:
The air filter and silencer are combined into a single integrated component or assembly that handles both inlet and outlet air flows. This merged design eliminates the need for separate filtration and silencing units, reducing component count, manufacturing costs, and installation space while maintaining the required air treatment quality through optimized internal design.
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 reduces manufacturing costs, minimizes moisture re-entrainment, and simplifies assembly, ensuring efficient compressed air supply with improved durability and quality by eliminating the need for separate components and optimizing line paths.
Implementation Method 1
the processor for the incoming air is in the form of an air filter... During the filtration process, this foam material adsorbs all particles with a size greater than 10 micrometers
Implementation Method 2
for the processor for the outgoing air in the form of a silencer... When blowing out, the outlet air flows through the foam material of the processor
Implementation Method 3
a first check valve (7) in the inlet air line (3) and a second check valve (8) in the outlet air line (4)... the second check valve (8) provided in the outlet air line prevents water from penetrating the outlet air line
Data Source
AI summary
An air supply device for a pneumatic spring system of a vehicle includes an air filter as a processor for incoming air, an inlet air line, an outlet air line, a compressor, and, optionally, an air drier. The inlet air line and the outlet air line are decoupled by a first and a second check valve, and the processor is arranged between the compressor and the first or second check valve.