Our machine design team ran calculations, iterated designs, and constructed a functioning pneumatic valve.
We used Python for the calculations and SolidWorks for the design prior to machining. This was done so that the cam and follower could be properly sized for the system constraints.
We decided on a 5/3 spool valve:
A 5/3 spool valve (as seen on the left) performs such that P is an input, T is an exhaust, and A & B are outputs.
We developed a Python script to take an initial, user-provided guess as to the size of the prime circle of the cam, and subsequently would run through a series of calculations to optimize the size according to machine design principles.
Setup
The bench setup (which required us to analyze in order to develop a solution) included two pistons operating opposite one another, as shown in the video. These pistons required air to be delivered to them in an alternating fashion. Thus, the necessity for the valve, and cam system.
In the video to the right, you can see the system in action! ⇒