Feasibility study on bionic pneumatic valves
Research Task/Objectives
Used procedure for development of biologically inspired valve principles
Throttle check valves control the travel speed of pneumatic drives. They are characterized by a compact design and their passive working principle. Electric adjustment of the throttling is currently not available, but would allow for new functionalities for pneumatic systems as digitalization progresses. The equipment of currently used throttle check valves with an electromagnet or electric motor would lead to a large installation space or high electrical power consumption. In the course of evolution, nature has produced a multitude of solutions that are characterized by high functional integration, energy efficiency and minimal material consumption. Therefore, this study investigates how nature can give ideas for improved designs of pneumatic valves.
Approach/Results
Feasibility evaluation of barnacle inspired valve design
The study was conducted as collaborative and interdisciplinary research of natural
sciences and mechanical engineering. By an initial functional analysis abstract sub-
functions were identified. These improve interdisciplinary communication and enable the screening of biological organisms. Based upon the derived fundamental functional principles for process control and fluid flow regulation a scheme was developed, which serves as support for the systematic solution finding. In order to estimate the feasibility of bionic flow control valves, several design sketches were developed and compared regarding to their required mechanical input. Furthermore, the suitability of electro-mechanical transducers was discussed.
The presented research activities are part of the project “Feasibility study on bionic pneumatic valves” (Ref. No. 703471). The authors would like to thank the Fluid Power Research Fund of the VDMA for the funding and support.