Situation
Automation through 3D printed pneumatic actuators has a wide range of application fields, where traditional mechanical and electrical actuators have material or practical constraints. These pneumatic actuators usually require multiple pressure input lines to induce linear or rotational movement. As automated systems often require a diverse range and number of actuators, complex automated pneumatic systems therefore require a significant number of pressure input lines. The current conventional method is to pressurize these input lines using solenoid valves, with every pressurized line needing its own valve.
Challenge
As individually controlling a larger number of input lines using solenoid valve quickly becomes cumbersome and difficult, strides are being made to reduce the number these input pressure lines to control complex pneumatic systems. The current state of the art is to use the concept of a demultiplexer, from the digital logic field, as a method to reduce these input pressure lines.
Research question
How can the number of pressure lines needed to actuate a complex pneumatic system be reduced using 3D printed demultiplexing technology?