Document Type

Article

Publication Date

2013

Publication Title

Journal of Engineering Technology

Volume

30

Issue

2

Pages

34-43

Abstract

This article explains the design and fabrication of an innovative five-port, two-position (5/2), pneumatically latched valve. The initial application to repeatedly and automatically lift a mechanical cover or gate was presented as part of an undergraduate student project in the Mechanical Engineering Technology Program's Automation and Controls course in the Department of Engineering Technology at Old Dominion University. Valve operation, including self-latching, utilizes mechanical means only. The valve does not require any electrical power, electronic sensors, or controller, which makes it an energy-saving device. For light-duty operation, a bellows foot-air pump is used for air supply. A single activation of the pump's foot pedal opens the gate. The gate remains in the open position until the foot pedal is activated a second time. Additional design features include low component cost and increased operational safety. Future design improvements as well as potential applications, for medium and heavy-duty operation are discussed.

Rights

© 2013 American Society for Engineering Education. All rights reserved.

Included with the kind written permission of the copyright holder.

Original Publication Citation

Lin, C. Y., Michaeli, J. G., & Luetke, N. J. (2013). Design and practical application of an innovative, pneumatically latched valve. Journal of Engineering Technology, 30(2), 34-43.

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