Quote:
Originally Posted by Ether
Do you have any insight you could share about the purpose of the 1/8" and .32 Cv rule R72 partC? If you're allowed to leave the valves off the exhaust port and you're allowed to use multiple valves to feed the input port, I don't understand what purpose the rule serves. This leads me to believe I'm probably misunderstanding an important aspect of this issue.
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<R72>
C. Solenoid valves. All such valves must have a maximum ⅛” NPT port diameter, and a maximum Cv of 0.32 (if non-KOP valves are used, the team will be required to provide part documentation validating that the valves meet these constraints).
Valve refers to the solenoid assembly not the connectors. The 1'8 NPT refers to the size of the port fitting on the solenoid valve. This and the quoted flow rate along with the mandated hose size and working pressure are limiting factors of the system. They limit the amount of energy that can be used at any time and the rate of that energies delivery.
Doubling the valves may double up on the flow rate (in theory) but it will not increase the amount of working energy delivered. Also leaving off the connector on the exhaust end of your cylinder will not increase the amount of working force but it will increase the speed of the mechanism.
The entire system is limited by that little hose coming of the low pressure regulator. This is the big limiting factor.
The GDC has to set some limits to the amount of energy available to the teams. They also want to make the inspectors jobs easier. Giving limiting specs significantly reduces the things the inspectors have to deal with. A lot of the inspectors I have dealt with over the years only knowledge of pneumatics is what the have learned through FIRST. Imagine what it would be like for them if they would allow me to use things like ultra high resolution pressure control valves.