Difference between revisions of "Airflow Control"
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[[File:PartSchematic2.png|300px|thumb|left|Schematic of CO2 to Regulator Part]] | [[File:PartSchematic2.png|300px|thumb|left|Schematic of CO2 to Regulator Part]] | ||
[[File:Part3DDesign.png|100px|thumb|right|3D Model of CO2 to Regulator Part]] | [[File:Part3DDesign.png|100px|thumb|right|3D Model of CO2 to Regulator Part]] | ||
| − | The adapter allows for the source to be connected to the valve. This component requires much more creativity than the source or the valve. One way this has been done is using a custom-made part like the one pictured. The function of this specific part is two-fold: 1) it punctures the | + | The adapter allows for the source to be connected to the valve. This component requires much more creativity than the source or the valve. |
| + | One specific way this has been done is using a custom-made part like the one pictured. The function of this specific part is two-fold: 1) it punctures the air source 2) it connects the source to the valve. To puncture the canister, the custom-made part uses a hollow metal tube that rests on a bevel within the part. When the compressed air source is turned into the part, the torque on the source by the tube pops open the flat surface of the canister. In addition to this part, a pressure regulator is also recommended in some cases. Pressure regulators act to step-down the pressure from an air source to account for valves that are not graded for the 800-900 psi of a CO2 canister. | ||
[[File:PartPhysical.png|100px|thumb|right|Physical Custom Made Part, ''Note the tube in the center which is used to puncture the CO2'']] | [[File:PartPhysical.png|100px|thumb|right|Physical Custom Made Part, ''Note the tube in the center which is used to puncture the CO2'']] | ||
| + | |||
==Valve== | ==Valve== | ||
This part is what actually controls the air flow. Given a voltage input, the valve will open, allowing the air from the source to flow through the adapter and the valve onto its destination. A common way to control a valve is with a an Arduino, which can be coded to deliver a voltage to the valve only upon certain circumstances. For instance, an accelerometer can be used in conjunction with an Arduino to deliver a voltage to the valve only when the accelerometer measures a certain threshold of acceleration. This specific method can be used to allow air to flow into an airbag when the accelerometer senses a drop. | This part is what actually controls the air flow. Given a voltage input, the valve will open, allowing the air from the source to flow through the adapter and the valve onto its destination. A common way to control a valve is with a an Arduino, which can be coded to deliver a voltage to the valve only upon certain circumstances. For instance, an accelerometer can be used in conjunction with an Arduino to deliver a voltage to the valve only when the accelerometer measures a certain threshold of acceleration. This specific method can be used to allow air to flow into an airbag when the accelerometer senses a drop. | ||
Revision as of 04:22, 12 December 2017
Contents
Introduction
This page is a guide for controlling airflow. One method for the control of the flow of a gas involves three main components: a source, an adapter, and a valve.
Source
The source is the origin of the air. One easy to find/use source is a CO2 canister. These deliver compressed CO2 gas at usually about 800-900 psi. To ensure air tightness, the threading of the canister should be wrapped in teflon tape approximately 6 times.
Adapter
The adapter allows for the source to be connected to the valve. This component requires much more creativity than the source or the valve. One specific way this has been done is using a custom-made part like the one pictured. The function of this specific part is two-fold: 1) it punctures the air source 2) it connects the source to the valve. To puncture the canister, the custom-made part uses a hollow metal tube that rests on a bevel within the part. When the compressed air source is turned into the part, the torque on the source by the tube pops open the flat surface of the canister. In addition to this part, a pressure regulator is also recommended in some cases. Pressure regulators act to step-down the pressure from an air source to account for valves that are not graded for the 800-900 psi of a CO2 canister.
Valve
This part is what actually controls the air flow. Given a voltage input, the valve will open, allowing the air from the source to flow through the adapter and the valve onto its destination. A common way to control a valve is with a an Arduino, which can be coded to deliver a voltage to the valve only upon certain circumstances. For instance, an accelerometer can be used in conjunction with an Arduino to deliver a voltage to the valve only when the accelerometer measures a certain threshold of acceleration. This specific method can be used to allow air to flow into an airbag when the accelerometer senses a drop.
