Ventilation Device for Compressed Air Preparation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing ventilation devices for air dryer cartridges in compressed air treatment systems, particularly those using bayonet rings, pose hazards during disassembly due to potential pressure-driven ejection and require additional work steps for safe venting, leading to increased risk and complexity.

Innovation Solution

A ventilation device with a permanently attached sealing element, comprising an elastic or resilient metal strip, that automatically seals the ventilation opening when the air dryer cartridge is mounted, integrating with the bayonet ring to ensure safe venting and prevent loss of parts, eliminating the need for separate venting steps and reducing assembly risks.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If a bayonet ring is used to lock the air dryer cartridge, then the connection is secure during operation, but the cartridge can fly off during disassembly causing safety hazards

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection strengthVSAvoidsafety hazard
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The ventilation opening is opened in advance before the bayonet ring is fully unlocked, allowing pressure to escape before the cartridge can fly off. This preliminary venting action prevents the harmful effect of pressure-driven ejection during disassembly.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The disassembly process is segmented into distinct steps: first rotating the bayonet ring to unlock, then opening the ventilation opening to vent pressure, and finally removing the cartridge. This segmentation ensures safety by separating the unlocking action from the removal action with an intermediate venting step.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Object-affected harmful factors

If a separate venting device with work step is used, then safe venting is achieved, but the assembly process becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveventing safetyVSAvoidassembly complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The ventilation opening is merged with the bayonet ring assembly, so that the venting function is integrated into the locking mechanism. The same rotational motion that unlocks the cartridge also opens the ventilation opening, combining two functions into one integrated structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The bayonet ring assembly automatically performs the venting function when rotated during disassembly. The ventilation opening is positioned such that rotation of the bayonet ring automatically opens it, allowing the system to service itself without requiring a separate manual venting action.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If separate anti-loss device is provided for venting device parts, then parts are retained, but the system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveparts retentionVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The sealing element is merged with the ventilation opening structure, forming an integrated component that cannot be lost. The sealing element is permanently attached to the air dryer housing and works in conjunction with the bayonet ring, eliminating the need for separate anti-loss devices.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The sealing element acts as an intermediary between the ventilation opening and the external environment. It remains permanently attached to the housing while allowing controlled opening of the ventilation opening, serving as both a seal and a structural component.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 solution provides a safe and efficient method for venting the air dryer cartridge during disassembly, preventing pressure-driven ejection and ensuring secure sealing, thus enhancing safety and simplifying the installation process by integrating the sealing function with the bayonet ring operation.

Implementation Method 1

the sealing element comprises an elastic element (22)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

enables an increased internal pressure to be safely discharged from the air dryer cartridge via the ventilation opening (16) to the outside

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPressure gradient: Pressure Gradient

Data Source

PatentEP2105186B1Ventilation device for a compressed air preparation device and method for dismantling a compressed air preparation device
Publication Date: 2013.06.12 KNORR BREMSE SYSTEME FUER NUTZFAHIZEUGE GMBH
  • EP2105186B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2105186B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP2105186B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

The venting device has an air-drying cartridge with the venting opening in the air-drying housing (18) of a compressed-air processing system. The venting device has a sealing element (20), which is fastened constantly at the air-drying housing. The sealing element closely seals the venting opening, when the air-drying cartridge is mounted in the air-drying housing. An independent claim is included for a method for reliable demounting of a compressed-air processing system in an air-drying housing mounting the air-drying cartridge.