Lego Pneumatic Idea

[Rum]

Hey Lego-Fans,

I started to design a Pneumatic-System, which I want to build on madoca's 4x4 Pickup. Please donwload the file and tell me if I can build it, or something is wrong.

Short explanation:

The pump (compressor) pumps the air into the first valve. There you can decide if only one or both tanks should be used.

If you put valve one in the upper position, you use only one tank (tank 1), you have to switch the second valve in the center position (because tank 2 should not get filled with air) and switch valve 3 in the upper position, to allow the air to go through valve 3.

Now, only the first tank is used and I continue with the exit of tank 1. The air comes out of the tank 1 and goes to the t-junction. On the left side we have the compressor-switch, which turns on and of the compressor. On the right side we have the manometer, where I can see the pressure of my system. After the manometer there is the exit of the system, where I can use the compressed air.

Now the other situation, when valve 1 is in the lower position. The air comes first to tank 2 and fills him. To use the air, you have to switch valve 2 in the upper pistion and valve 3 in the center position, to block the way out of the system through valve 1. After valve 2 the air goes into tank 1 and controlls the manometer and the compressor-switch.

compressor-switch build like this: http://www.malgil.co...ages/image2.jpg (but with PowerFunctions-Switch)

I hope you understand my explanation and drawing!

Can I build it like this, or is there a better and easier way? Please comment!

Rum

Edited April 7, 2015 by Rum

[DrJB]

What are you planning to use this for? .. and more importantly, why the many valves/tanks?

If you explain what you are trying to power this with, we might be able to give some 'directions'.

At first sight, it looks a bit complicated to me, but again, I do not know the details.

[Rum]

ok :D I just want to use the pneumatic power on a trailer. Maybe to have a dumper or something else. But there should be also other functions, which use many air, so I need many. (but I do not know the functions exactly, beacuse I am still planning)

The many valves are important, to switch between one or two tanks (less or many air :) ) and to block the way out of the system, or into tank two (if only tank 1 should be used).

I hope you understand this

[Technyk32231]

I don't think the amount of tanks will affect the pressure of the output much, only how long the pressure can be sustained. It honestly makes much more sense to just have all the tanks in use.

[Rum]

Hmm, thats right... But with only one tank I can not use many functions at the same time with high pressure, so the compressor has to run always...

[arik]

Your design will work, but I think it's too complicated.

Why not just have an air tank after compressor, and then T-piece where you have a valve and another air tank. With the valve you can block or allow use of the second tank. (And release pressure from the system if you want.)

Anyway, I would use both tanks without the option to cut one off. Maybe instead (if you want instant constant pressure when the tanks are empty) have a valve to override the tanks completely.

[Rum]

Oh, thats a better way! Thank you, I will think about it.

[TinkerBrick]

I agree with arik, it will work, but it's not making a lot of sense. I recommend to place the compressor switch and an air tank right after the compressor. Than place the. diverting valves. Have one valve run a hose to a pneumatic power take off at the rear of your vehicle. Use a short piece of hose to bridge towards the trailer. On the trailer, place a valve just before an air tank in order to lock the air flow. This way, the air can be stored on the trailer. You would have some air even if the truck with the compressor is not attached.

This would be like in real life, where some trailers have air tanks as well, but lack a compressor.