Air flows into the High Pressure Regulator (HPR)
from the right side.
The air begins filling the HPR, main air chamber,
Low Pressure Regulator (LPR), and piston cylinder.
Not shown is a long chamber running from the LPR to
the piston cylinder allowing the air to transfer from
one to the other.
The solenoid is set by the circuit to direct the
air to the front of the piston. Air from the LPR causes
the piston and adjoined bolt to begin moving backward
as the air fills the cylinder.
The LPR valve spring has been adjusted to a preset
amount (around 90 psi) in order to regulate the pressure.
Once the piston is fully retracted back and the air
pressure from the main air chamber equals the pressure
from the LPR valve spring, the LPR valve closes.
After the piston is retracted slightly, the main
valve is allowed to close and prevent air from the
main air chamber from venting down the barrel. This
position also clears the barrel chamber and allows
a paintball to fall into place.
The HPR valve spring has been adjusted to a preset
amount (around 225 psi) in order to regulate the pressure.
With the main valve and the LPR valve closed, air
continues to fill the main air chamber.
The HPR valve finally closes, well after the LPR
valve is closed, due to the pressure of the air matching
the pressure generated by the HPR valve spring. In
this position, the marker is ready to fire.
The trigger is pulled and causes the micro switch
to make contact.
This action signals the circuit to switch the output
of the solenoid to force LPR air behind the piston.
The piston and bolt move forward to make contact
with the paintball.
At the right moment, the piston strikes the main
valve to allow the air in the main air chamber to
escape through the center of the bolt. This air provides
the main force to propel the ball down the barrel
and at the proper velocity.
With the main valve open, the pressure in the main
air chamber drops rapidly and causes the HPR valve
to open first.
Once the pressure drops below the preset LPR pressure,
the LPR valve also opens.
