What are the three basic parts of a pneumatic system?

Answer 1

All pneumatic systems start with an aircompressor. This compressor is usually rigged with a electronic pressure switch, which shuts the compressor off once the system has reached pressure. The compressor uses an accumulator to store additional compressed air in reserve in case the amount of air required by the system exceeds the compressor's output. Both of these components are connected to an air regulator, which reduces the combined compressor and accumulator output pressure to the desired psi (usually pressure gauges are placed before and after the regulator). This resulting air feed is then connected to a series of mechanical or electric solenoids (air valves). Two lines run out of each solenoid, each connects to an opposite side of the pneumatic piston (s) that the solenoid controls. When triggered, the solenoids direct the air into the front or back of the piston depending on the desired direction of the piston. Return air from the opposite side of the piston is usually vented. This results in the pneumatic pistons emitting a hissing sound whenever they are moved.

Answer 2

A - Compressor: a pump which compresses air, raising it to a higher pressure, and delivers

it to the pneumatic system (sometimes, can also be used to generate a vacuum).

B - Check valve: one-way valve that allows pressurized air to enter the pneumatic system,

but prevents backflow (and loss of pressure) into the compressor when it is stopped.

C - Accumulator: stores compressed air, preventing surges in pressure and relieving the

duty cycle of the compressor.

D - Directional valve: controls the flow of pressurized air from the source to the selected

port. Some valves permit free exhaust from the port not selected. These valves can be

actuated either manually or electrically (the valves typically provided in the FIRST kits use

dual solenoids to change the direction of the valve, based on input signals from the control

system).

E - Actuator: converts energy stored in the compressed air into mechanical motion. A

linear piston is shown. Alternate tools include rotary actuators, air tools, expanding

bladders, etc.

Answer 3

a compressor