Air Compressor Noise Suppressor
US7A1 - Noise suppressor for air compressor- Google Patents US7A1 - Noise suppressor for air compressor- Google Patents Noise suppressor for air compressorInfo Publication number US7A1 US7A1 US11/418,307 US41830706A USA1 US 7 A1 US7 A1 US 7A1 US 41830706 A US41830706 A US 41830706A US A1 US A1 US A1 Authority US United States Prior art keywords valve air sound waves pathway path Prior art date 2005-05-06 Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.) Abandoned Application number US11/418,307 Inventor Paul Wester Original Assignee Wester Paul M Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. A method of neutralizing noise for an air compressor includes routing sound waves exiting an air intake of an air compressor along two separate paths, with a length of a first path being about one-half the wavelength of the sound waves and the length of the second path being negligible relative to the wavelength of the sound waves.
- Air Compressor Noise Suppression
- Air Compressor Noise Suppressor Systems
- Air Compressor Muffler Silencer
In a first state, sound waves in a first path close a first valve to prevent the sound waves from exiting the first path while the a second valve in the second path remains open to permit inflow of ambient air through the second valve. In a second state, sound waves in the second path close the second valve to prevent the sound waves from exiting the second path while the first valve in the first path remains open to permit inflow of ambient air through the first valve.
The method includes alternating between the first state and the second state in response to the repeating sound waves generated by the air compressor. Conventional air compressors provide numerous benefits to society. For example, conventional air compressors provide compressed air to power “air” tools, to inflate tires, to clean objects, etc. However, the process of compressing the air can be quite loud, which is annoying and which can pose health risks, such as hearing loss. In addition, the noise of a conventional air compressor can limit the ability of a person to hear significant events, such as a call for help, an accident, etc. In proximity to the conventional air compressor.
This noise also can hinder communication between workers performing a task nearby the conventional air compressor. Accordingly, most people simply endure the noise of the conventional air compressor or alter their work or use patterns to mitigate the effect of the noise on their activities or the peace of their neighbors. A method of neutralizing noise for an air compressor includes routing sound waves exiting an air intake of an air compressor along two separate paths, with a length of a first path being about one-half the wavelength of the sound waves and the length of the second path being negligible relative to the wavelength of the sound waves. A first valve is arranged at the end of the first path and a second valve at the end of the second path. In a first state, sound waves in the first path close the first valve to prevent the sound waves from exiting the first path while the sound waves in the second path minimally impact the second valve of the second path, thereby enabling the second valve to remain open to permit inflow of ambient air through the second valve. In a second state, sound waves in the second path close the second valve to prevent the sound waves from exiting the second path while the sound waves in the first path minimally impact the first valve of the first path, thereby enabling the first valve to remain open to permit inflow of ambient air through the first valve.
The method includes alternating between the first state and the second state in response to the repeating sound waves generated by the air compressor.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS. In the following detailed description, references made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof, and which is illustrated by way of illustrations specific embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. In this regard, directional terminology, such as “front,” “back,” etc., is used with reference to the orientation of the figures(s) being described. Because components of embodiments of the present invention can be positioned in a number of different orientations, the directional terminology is used for purposes of illustration and is in no way limiting. It is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and structural or logical changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. The following detailed description, therefore, is not to be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope of the present invention is defined by the appended claims. 1 is a plan view of an air compression system 10, according to an embodiment of the invention.
As shown in FIG. 1, system 10 comprises an air compressor 12 and a noise suppressor 14. Air compressor 12 comprises a cylinder, air inlet 13, and outlet valve structure 27. Noise suppressor 14 comprises first valve 16, second valve 18, and an air pathway structure 21 including common pathway 22, first pathway 23, and second pathway 24. One embodiment of first valve 16 and second valve 18 is further described and illustrated in association with FIG. As shown in FIG. 1, in one embodiment, air compressor 12 additionally includes control structure 20 (e.g.
Nozzle, valve, etc.) for controlling reception of ambient air through inlet 13. Noise suppressor 14 is configured to both manage inlet of ambient air into air compressor 12 and to suppress noise produced by air compressor 12 that travels outward through compressor air inlet 13. Valves 16 and 18 are in fluid communication with air inlet 13 via air pathway structure 21. In particular, common pathway 22 is in direct connection and fluid communication with air inlet 13. Ambient air A A travels in a first direction through air pathway structure 21 to enter air inlet 13, while sound waves exiting air inlet 13 travel in a second direction, opposite the first direction of incoming air.
In one aspect, air inlet 13 comprises a single air intake. First pathway 23 is in fluid communication with first valve 16 while second pathway 24 is in fluid communication with second valve 18. First pathway 23 (e.g., a hose, pipe, conduit, etc.) has a length L 1 while second pathway 24 (e.g., a hose, pipe, conduit, etc.) has a length L 2 which is substantially greater than a length L 1 of first pathway 23. In one embodiment, the length L 2 of second pathway 24 is selected to be one-half the wavelength of the sound wave S while the length L 1 of first pathway 23 is negligible relative to the wavelength of the sound wave (S), and therefore also negligible relative to length L 2.
As first portion (S 1) of sound wave (S) travels into valve 16, sound wave S 1 closes valve 16 which also prevents entry of ambient air (A A) through valve 16. However, because second air pathway 24 has a length about one-half the wavelength of sound wave S, second portion S 2 of sound wave S is in an opposite phase of sound wave portion S 1, so that valve 18 is not impacted (or only minimally impacted) by sound wave S 2 at the time that sound wave S 1 impacts and closes valve 16. Accordingly, when first valve 16 is closed, second valve 18 is open and permits inflow of ambient air to air inlet 13 (via air pathway 24). Length L 2 of second air pathway 24 is selected based upon the wavelength of air compressor 12. In one embodiment, a length of second air pathway 24 is selectively varied so that a noise suppressor can be adaptable to different wavelengths of sound waves, and thereby is adaptable for use with different types of air compressors.
In one aspect, second air pathway 24 comprises a plurality of modules (such as individual sections of hoses or pipes) connected in series wherein the number of modules determines the length of second air pathway 24. In one embodiment, a length of second air pathway 24 defines a first length that is about one-half the wavelength of the soundwaves and that is believed to result in generally complete suppression of noise associated with those soundwaves (S). This first length is considered to be a “full length” embodiment. However, in another embodiment, a length of second air pathway 24 defines a second length that is set to some value (such as three-eighths, one-third, one-quarter, etc.) less than one-half of the wavelength of soundwaves (S) to result in suppressing noise (associated with soundwaves (S)) to a level that substantially reduces the noise while not completely eliminating the noise. In other words, a second length of second air pathway 24 (with a length of first air pathway 23 remaining negligible) can define a length that is much less (e.g.
One-half) than a first length of second air pathway 24, while still achieving significant suppression of noise from soundwaves (S). This alternate arrangement is considered a “reduced length” embodiment. Practically speaking, this alternate “reduced length” embodiment enables a hose or pipe defining second air pathway 24 to take up much less space (e.g., 25% less, 33% less, 50% less, etc.) than a “full length” embodiment. In some instances, the noise suppression associated with a “reduced length” embodiment is sufficient (although less than a complete noise suppression) to prefer the smaller sized second air pathway over a larger sized second air pathway of a “full length” embodiment.
Accordingly, in one embodiment, to suppress noise from air compressor 12, a length of second air pathway 24 is substantially less than a wavelength of soundwaves (S), and in one particular embodiment, a length of second air pathway is about one-half the wavelength of soundwaves (S). In one embodiment, other parameters such as the type of material (e.g., rigid, flexible, sound absorbing) defining the second air pathway 24, the type of air compressor 12, the type of valves ( 16, 18) also affect a selection of the length of second air pathway 24. For example, in one embodiment, second air pathway 24 comprises a conduit made of sound absorbing material or other sound altering material, which also acts on the soundwaves (S). This embodiment thereby enables a length of second air pathway 24 to be reduced from one-half the wavelength of soundwaves (S) since the noise is being suppressed by the type of material defining second air pathway 24 in addition to the length of second air pathway 24.
The operational states of first valve 16 and second valve 18 of noise suppressor 14 are summarized in table 30 of FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a table 30 representing operational states of a noise suppression system, according to an embodiment of the invention.
As shown in FIG. 2, table 30 illustrates a first state (i.e., state 1) and a second state of operation of noise suppression system 14 ( FIG.
Each state generally corresponds to a state of whether valve one (V 1) 16 is open or closed, a state of whether valve two (V 2) 18 is open or closed, and related states of whether or not air (A 1 or A 2) is flowing through those valves in relation to travel of sound waves (S 1 or S 2). In one embodiment, a first state includes a first component 32 in which valve one V 1 (e.g. Valve 16) is open and generally corresponds to sound waves S 1 being absent (or only minimally present) at valve V 1, thereby permitting inflow of air A 1 through valve V 1. In a second component 34 of first state, valve two V 2 (e.g., valve 18) is closed by sound waves S 2, which thereby blocks sound waves S 2 from exiting valve V 2 (i.e., sound waves (S 2) are present at valve 18) and thereby also blocks inflow of air (A 2) through valve V 2. A second state identifies a first component 36 in which valve one V 1 is closed by sound waves S 1, which thereby blocks sound waves S 1 from exiting valve V 1 (i.e., sound waves (S 1) are present at valve 16) and thereby also blocks inflow of air (A 1) through valve V 1.
In a second component 38 of second state, valve two (V 2) is open, which generally corresponds to sound waves S 2 being absent (or only minimally present) at valve V 2, thereby permitting inflow of air (A 2) through valve V 2. 3 is an air compression system 50, according to an embodiment of the invention. System 50 has substantially the same features and attributes as system 10, as previously described in association with FIGS.
1-2, and also includes additional features. As shown in FIG. 3, system 50 comprises an air compressor 52 and noise suppressor 54. Air compressor portion 52 comprises a cylinder, air inlet 62, and air control structure 60 (similar to control structure 20). Noise suppressor 54 comprises first valve 82, second valve 84, and an air pathway structure 71, which includes common pathway 70, first pathway 72, and second pathway 74.
In one embodiment, second pathway 74 further comprises a coil portion 78 that acts as a mechanism or arrangement to facilitate reducing an amount of space occupied by the relatively long length of second pathway 74. In a manner substantially the same as previously described in association with FIGS. 1-2, noise suppressor 54 of compression system 50 (shown in FIG. 3) is configured to both manage inlet of ambient air into air compressor 52 and to suppress noise produced by air compressor portion 52 that travels outward through compressor air inlet 62.
As shown in FIG. 3, valve 82 is in fluid communication with air inlet 62 via common pathway 70 and first air pathway 72 of air pathway structure 71. Valve 84 is in fluid communication with air inlet 62 via common pathway 70 and second air pathway 74 of air pathway structure 71. Accordingly, during operation of air compressor 12, ambient air A A travels in a first direction (through valves 82 and 84 via air pathway structure 71) to enter air inlet 62, while sound waves that exit air inlet 62 travel in a second direction, opposite the first direction of incoming air, through air pathway structure 71 to valves 82 and 84. A junction 76 enables common pathway 70 of air pathway structure 71 to diverge along two separate pathways, first pathway 72 and second pathway 74. First pathway 72 is in fluid communication with first valve 82 while second pathway 74 is in fluid communication with second valve 84. First pathway 72 (e.g., a hose, pipe, conduit, etc.) has a length L 1 while second pathway 74 (e.g., a hose, pipe, conduit, etc.) has a length L 2 which is substantially greater than a length L 1 of first pathway 72.
In one embodiment, the length L 2 of second pathway 74 is selected to be one-half the wavelength of the sound wave S while the length L 1 of first pathway 72 is negligible relative to the wavelength of sound wave S and therefore negligible relative to length L 2. In one embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 3, a second air pathway 74 comprises a plurality of modules 56- 58 (such as individual sections of hoses or pipes) connected in series wherein the number of modules determines the length of second air pathway 24. This arrangement enables the operator or designer to selectively vary the length of second air pathway 74 to modify the effect of the noise suppression and/or to provide a shorter length second air pathway 74 for convenience. In another embodiment, the modules 56- 58 are telescopically retractable and expandable relative to each other to respectively shorten or lengthen the length of second air pathway 74. First valve 82 and second valve 84 are substantially the same in structure and function, except being connected to a different air pathway 72 and 74 via a respective junction 79.
In one embodiment, first valve 82 and second valve 84 each define a respective chamber ( 86A, 86B) including a movable portion ( 90A, 90B) that selectively blocks an air inlet structure ( 88A, 88B). The air inlet structures ( 88A or 88B) comprise one or more openings to enable air flow into the chamber ( 86A or 86B). The moveable portion ( 90A, 90B) comprises a flap or other flexible member capable of being deflected or moved by an impact of sound waves and/or by pressure of air intake. In one embodiment, the moveable portion 90A, 90B is a flap made of a flexible plastic material, such as polypropylene or other suitable materials. A center portion 92 of the flap ( 90A, 90B) is secured relative to a central region 94 of air inlet structure ( 88A, 88B) adjacent openings of the air inlet structure with outer portions 96 of the flaps extending outward relative to center portion 92. In this arrangement, the secured center portion 92 acts as a hinge enabling movement of the outer portions 96 against or away from inlet structure ( 88A, 88B) depending upon the presence or absence of sound waves within the chamber that encloses the flap.
In one example, FIG. 3 illustrates a closed first valve 82, with moveable flap 90A pressed upward into contact against air inlet structure 88A via the impact pressure from sound waves S 1 while second valve 84 is open with moveable flap 90B spaced from air inlet structure 88B because of the absence (or minimal impact) of sound waves S 2 against moveable flap 90B. In a manner substantially the same as previously described for valves 16 and 18 in association with FIGS.
1-2, first valve 82 and second valve 84 alternately open and close in an offset manner so that when one valve is open, the other valve is closed and vice versa, thereby enabling air to enter air inlet 62 of air compressor 52 while neutralizing noise exiting air inlet 62 of air compressor 52. 4 is a noise suppressor system 100, according to an embodiment of the invention. System 100 comprises substantially the same features and attributes of systems 10 and 50 (previously described in association with FIGS. 1-3), except further comprising a container 102 for enclosing or grouping (e.g., maintaining in close proximity) various components of systems 10, 50. As shown in FIG.
Air Compressor Noise Suppression
4, container 102 is represented by dashed lines and encloses (as an example) first valve 82, second valve 84, air pathway structure 71 (including at least pathway 72 and 74), and coil portion 78 of air pathway 74. In one embodiment, air inlet structures 88A and 88B are disposed at outer edge 110 of container 102.
5 is a sectional view of an noise suppression adapter 200, according to an embodiment of the invention. In one embodiment, noise suppressor 200 comprises substantially the same features and attributes as noise suppressor (e.g., noise suppressor 54) as previously described and illustrated in association with FIGS. 1-4, except further comprising additional valves 182, 184 wherein a first valve array 202 comprises first valve 82 and third valve 182 and a second valve array 204 comprises second valve 84 and fourth valve 184.
Air Compressor Noise Suppressor Systems
In this respect, each array 202, 204 comprises two or more valves connected in series to provide further noise suppression than simply using a single first valve 82 and single second valve 84. While not illustrated, it is understood that in other embodiments, each respective first and second valve array 202, 204 comprises three or more valves connected in series. As illustrated in FIG. 5, third valve 182 comprises substantially the same features and attributes as first valve 82, except with inlets 88A of first valve 82 being in direct fluid communication with an interior of third valve 182 (instead of in direct fluid communication with the ambient environment). In one aspect, third valve 182 comprises a movable flap 190A secured to member 194 with outer portions 196 of flap 190A either respectively blocking air inlets 188A, 188A or providing an open path to air inlets 188A, 188A in response to the cycling of the airflow and soundwaves of air compressor, as previously described in association with FIGS. Likewise, fourth valve 184 comprises substantially the same features and attributes as second valve 84, except with inlets 88B of second valve 84 being in direct fluid communication with an interior of fourth valve 184 (instead of in direct fluid communication with the ambient environment). In one aspect, third valve 182 comprises a movable flap 190A secured to member 194 with outer portions 196 of flap 190A either respectively blocking air inlets 188A, 188A or providing an open path to air inlets 188A, 188A in response to the cycling of the airflow and soundwaves of air compressor, as previously described in association with FIGS.
Air Compressor Muffler Silencer
In use, each array 202, 204 of valves that are connected in series, such as first valve 82 and third valve 182, respectively exhibit a substantially matched response to the cycling of the soundwaves and airflow so that both first valve 82 and third valve 182 open at substantially the same time and close at substantially the same time. Similarly, second valve 84 and fourth valve 184, exhibit a substantially matched response to the cycling of the soundwaves and airflow so that both second valve 84 and fourth valve 184 open at substantially the same time and close at substantially the same time.
Finally, in accordance with prior embodiments, when first valve 82 and third valve 182 are open, then second valve 84 and fourth valve 184 are closed, and when first valve 82 and third valve 182 are closed, then second valve 84 and fourth valve 184 are open. Although specific embodiments have been illustrated and described herein for purposes of description of the preferred embodiment, it will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that a wide variety of alternate and/or equivalent implementations may be substituted for the specific embodiments illustrated and described without departing from the scope of the present invention. Those with skill in the mechanical, electromechanical, electrical, and computer arts will readily appreciate that the present invention may be implemented in a very wide variety of embodiments. This application is intended to cover any adaptations or variations of the preferred embodiments discussed herein.
Therefore, it is manifestly intended that this invention be limited only by the claims and the equivalents thereof.Claims ( 20). The system of claim 1 wherein the first valve comprises a first valve array including a series of valves connected in series and the second valve comprises a second valve array including a series of valves connected in series, wherein the respective valves of the first valve array open and close substantially in unison in response to the sound waves of the air compressor and the respective valves of the second valve array open and close substantially in unison in response to the sound waves of the air compressor.
The noise suppressor of claim 15 wherein the first valve comprises a first valve array including a series of valves connected in series and the second valve comprises a second valve array including a series of valves connected in series, wherein the respective valves of the first valve array open and close substantially in unison in response to the sound waves of the air compressor and the respective valves of the second valve array open and close substantially in unison in response to the sound waves of the air compressor. The noise suppressor of claim 15 and further comprising an air compressor system including a cylinder configured to compress ambient air and including the inlet for receiving ambient air.
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