Non-magnetic-control valve position indicating device and method
The valve position indicator device, which combines pure mechanical transmission and strain detection, solves the problem of poor reliability of traditional magnetic indicators in extreme environments, and achieves stable operation and low-cost application in harsh environments such as the nuclear industry.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202610212945.2
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2026-02-13
- Publication Date
- 2026-05-08
AI Technical Summary
Traditional magnetically controlled valve position indicators have poor reliability and are prone to failure in extreme industrial environments such as high temperature and strong radiation. Existing non-magnetically controlled solutions still rely on electronic components, which are complex and costly, and are difficult to operate stably in harsh environments for a long time.
It adopts the principle of pure mechanical transmission and strain detection. The valve stem movement is converted into mechanical transmission through the transmission mechanism, the strain mechanism generates deformation, and the strain sensor outputs an electrical signal to determine the valve status and stroke position, thus avoiding the use of magnetic control devices.
It improves anti-interference capabilities, reduces the use of electronic components, simplifies the structure, reduces costs and maintenance difficulty, is suitable for extreme working conditions such as the nuclear industry, and enhances the availability and reliability of the system.
Smart Images
Figure CN121993656A_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This invention relates to the field of valve position indicator technology, and more specifically, to a non-magnetically controlled valve position indicator device and method. Background Technology
[0002] Valve position indicators are critical components in industrial control, used to monitor the opening and closing status of valves in real time to ensure safe and reliable process operation. Currently, traditional valve position indicators mostly employ designs based on reed switches and other magnetically controlled circuit devices. Their working principle relies on magnetic induction characteristics: the reed switch closes when a magnetic field approaches and opens when the magnetic field moves away, thus indirectly reflecting the valve position. However, in extreme industrial environments such as the nuclear industry, harsh conditions such as high temperatures, strong radiation, and noise interference are common. These magnetically controlled indicators, due to the susceptibility of their electronic components to environmental influences, often experience performance degradation, malfunctions, or complete failure after long-term use, severely impacting the reliability and safety of the system.
[0003] To improve the reliability of valve position detection, several improvement schemes have emerged in existing technologies. For example, the paper "Non-contact Valve Position Feedback Device" discloses a non-contact detection device based on the Hall effect, which realizes valve position feedback through magnetic field changes; the paper "Valve Position Transmitter Based on Linear Hall Sensor" uses a linear Hall sensor in conjunction with a microprocessor system to achieve real-time accurate measurement and signal transmission of valve position. Although the above schemes can improve detection accuracy and response speed under certain conditions, they still rely on electronic sensing elements and signal processing circuits. Under extreme conditions such as long-term high temperature and radiation, the reliability of electronic devices cannot be fundamentally guaranteed, and the systems are complex and costly, making it difficult to achieve long-term stable operation in harsh industrial environments. Therefore, there is an urgent need for a valve position indicating device with a simple structure, strong environmental adaptability, and no reliance on magnetic control and electronic components, in order to fundamentally improve its working reliability and lifespan under harsh conditions. Summary of the Invention
[0004] The purpose of this invention is to provide a non-magnetically controlled valve position indicator device and method, which aims to solve the problems of poor reliability and easy failure of traditional magnetically controlled valve position indicators in extreme industrial environments such as high temperature and strong radiation.
[0005] This invention is achieved through the following technical solution: A non-magnetically controlled valve position indicator includes: a housing, a transmission mechanism, a strain mechanism, and a sensing mechanism. The transmission mechanism is disposed within the housing, with one end connected to the valve stem and the other end connected to the strain mechanism. The sensing mechanism is disposed on the strain mechanism and is used to detect the deformation of the strain mechanism caused by the movement of the valve stem, and output a detection signal corresponding to the valve position.
[0006] Optionally, the strain mechanism includes a first strain component and a second strain component arranged symmetrically, and the transmission mechanism is connected to the first strain component and the second strain component respectively through a first connecting component and a second connecting component.
[0007] Optionally, it further includes an elastic mechanism, which includes a first elastic component and a second elastic component, wherein the first elastic component is connected between the transmission mechanism and the first strain component, and the second elastic component is connected between the transmission mechanism and the second strain component.
[0008] Optionally, the sensing mechanism includes a first sensing component and a second sensing component, wherein the first sensing component is disposed on the first strain component and the second sensing component is disposed on the second strain component.
[0009] Optionally, the first sensing component and the second sensing component are strain sensors, and the direction and amplitude of the output signals of the first sensing component and the second sensing component together characterize the opening and closing state and stroke position of the valve.
[0010] Optionally, the transmission mechanism includes a first transmission component, a second transmission component, and a third transmission component connected in sequence. The first transmission component is connected to the valve stem, the third transmission component is connected to the strain mechanism, and the two ends of the second transmission component are respectively connected to the first transmission component and the third transmission component.
[0011] Optionally, it also includes a rotating component, wherein the second transmission component is an annular rack and pinion structure, the rotating component includes at least two fixed pulleys, the second transmission component is wound around the fixed pulleys, and the first transmission component and the third transmission component are both meshed with the second transmission component.
[0012] Optionally, the internal cavity of the housing is in communication with the valve cavity.
[0013] Optionally, it also includes a support assembly installed within the housing, and the transmission mechanism is connected to the support assembly.
[0014] Based on the same inventive concept, the present invention also provides a non-magnetically controlled valve position indication method, which, based on the aforementioned non-magnetically controlled valve position indication device, includes the following steps: In response to the linear motion of the valve stem, the linear motion of the valve stem is converted into mechanical transmission motion through the transmission mechanism; The transmission mechanism drives the strain mechanism, causing the strain mechanism to produce elastic deformation corresponding to the valve position; The sensor detects the deformation and direction of the strain mechanism and outputs an electrical signal that is proportional to the deformation and whose direction is consistent with the deformation direction. Based on the direction and amplitude of the electrical signal, the opening and closing status and stroke position of the valve are determined.
[0015] The technical solution of the present invention has at least the following advantages and beneficial effects: It adopts a pure mechanical transmission and strain detection principle, eliminating the need for magnetic control devices such as reed switches and Hall elements. This fundamentally avoids malfunctions or failures caused by external magnetic field interference or performance degradation of magnetic components, thus improving anti-interference capabilities.
[0016] The overall structure is based on mechanical transmission and strain mechanism, which greatly reduces the use of electronic components that are susceptible to high temperature and radiation, making it suitable for extreme working conditions such as nuclear industry.
[0017] By eliminating the complex magnetic control circuit and signal processing module, the device structure is simplified, making it easier to process and assemble, reducing manufacturing costs and maintenance difficulty, and facilitating large-scale application in harsh industrial environments.
[0018] Mechanical transmission and strain components experience less wear and slower performance degradation, eliminating the need for frequent calibration or replacement, thus reducing maintenance costs throughout the entire life cycle and improving the overall availability of the system. Attached Figure Description
[0019] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a non-magnetically controlled valve position indicator according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 This is a flowchart illustrating a non-magnetically controlled valve position indication method according to an embodiment of the present invention. Illustration: 1-Housing, 2-First transmission assembly, 3-Rotation assembly, 4-Second transmission assembly, 5-Support assembly, 6-Third transmission assembly, 7-First elastic assembly, 8-First connecting assembly, 9-First strain assembly, 10-First sensing assembly, 11-Second elastic assembly, 12-Second connecting assembly, 13-Second strain assembly, 14-Second sensing assembly. Detailed Implementation
[0020] The following is a detailed description of the embodiments, in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
[0021] Reference Figure 1A non-magnetically controlled valve position indicator includes: a housing 1, a transmission mechanism, a strain mechanism, and a sensing mechanism. The transmission mechanism is disposed within the housing 1, with one end connected to the valve stem and the other end connected to the strain mechanism. The sensing mechanism is disposed on the strain mechanism and is used to detect the deformation of the strain mechanism caused by the movement of the valve stem, and output a detection signal corresponding to the valve position. The housing 1 can be integrally formed from a high-temperature resistant alloy material. The internal cavity of the housing 1 is connected to the valve cavity, and the internal medium (deionized water) of the valve enters and fills the internal cavity of the housing 1.
[0022] In some embodiments, the strain mechanism includes a symmetrically arranged first strain component 9 and a second strain component 13. A transmission mechanism is connected to the first strain component 9 and the second strain component 13 via a first connecting component 8 and a second connecting component 12, respectively. This arrangement allows the linear motion of the valve stem to be synchronously converted into symmetrical deformation of the two strain components, thereby improving the stability and reliability of the detection signal. When the valve stem is displaced, the transmission mechanism transmits the linear motion to the first connecting component 8 and the second connecting component 12, which in turn drive the first strain component 9 and the second strain component 13 to produce corresponding elastic deformations. The first strain component 9 and the second strain component 13 can be made of high-temperature resistant and radiation-resistant titanium alloy and are tightly fitted to the housing 1; alternatively, the first strain component 9 and the second strain component 13 can be connected to the housing 1 as part of the housing 1, also made of high-temperature resistant and radiation-resistant titanium alloy. The deformation of the first strain component 9 and the second strain component 13 is proportional to the valve stem displacement, and the deformation direction corresponds to the valve operating direction. A sensing mechanism (such as a strain gauge attached to the surface of the strain component) detects this deformation in real time and outputs an electrical signal corresponding to the valve position.
[0023] In some embodiments, an elastic mechanism is further included, comprising a first elastic component 7 and a second elastic component 11. The first elastic component 7 is connected between the transmission mechanism and the first strain component 9, and the second elastic component 11 is connected between the transmission mechanism and the second strain component 13. The first elastic component 7 mainly comprises a high-temperature resistant and radiation-resistant helical compression spring. The first elastic component 7 is sleeved on the outside of the guide post or rod of the first connecting component 8 and installed in a matching guide cavity. One end of the first elastic component 7 is connected to the transmission mechanism, and the other end is connected to the first connecting component 8. The first connecting component 8 is rigidly connected to the first strain component 9 (such as the force-bearing end of a spring) by means of threads, pins, or integral molding. The installation method of the second elastic component 11 is mirror-symmetrical to that of the first elastic component 7, and the preload direction of its spring is opposite to that of the first elastic component 7 or adapted according to the direction of movement to ensure smooth transmission of bidirectional movement. In some embodiments, the sensing mechanism includes a first sensing component 10 and a second sensing component 14. The first sensing component 10 is disposed on a first strain component 9, and the second sensing component 14 is disposed on a second strain component 13. The first sensing component 10 and the second sensing component 14 are preferably resistance strain gauges, specifically special strain gauges made of a high-temperature resistant, radiation-resistant substrate (such as polyimide) and an alloy foil grid (such as Karma alloy). Their operating temperature range can reach -200°C to above 300°C, and their radiation resistance performance is far superior to that of semiconductors or magnetic elements.
[0024] In some embodiments, the first sensing component 10 and the second sensing component 14 are strain sensors, and the direction and amplitude of the output signals of the first sensing component 10 and the second sensing component 14 together characterize the opening and closing state and stroke position of the valve.
[0025] In some embodiments, the transmission mechanism includes a first transmission component 2, a second transmission component 4, and a third transmission component 6 connected in sequence. The first transmission component 2 is connected to the valve stem, the third transmission component 6 is connected to the strain mechanism, and both ends of the second transmission component 4 are connected to the first transmission component 2 and the third transmission component 6, respectively. It also includes a rotating component 3. The second transmission component 4 has a ring rack structure and includes at least two fixed pulleys. The second transmission component 4 is wound around the fixed pulleys, and both the first transmission component 2 and the third transmission component 6 are meshed with the second transmission component 4. Both the first transmission component 2 and the third transmission component 6 are provided with gears or tooth blocks that match and mesh with the ring rack 4. When the valve stem moves linearly, the first transmission component 2 moves accordingly, driving the ring rack 4 to rotate along the pulley assembly through its gears. The movement of the rack further drives the gears of the third transmission component 6, thereby causing the third transmission component 6 to produce a corresponding linear or rotational output, ultimately driving the strain mechanism to undergo elastic deformation.
[0026] In some embodiments, a support assembly 5 is also included, which is installed inside the housing 1, and the transmission mechanism passes through the support assembly 5. The support assembly 5 can be integrally machined from the same or similar high-temperature resistant alloy material as the housing 1 (such as Inconel alloy or 316L stainless steel), and is fixed to the inner wall of the housing 1 by screws or welding to support the housing 1 and prevent deformation. The pulley of the rotating assembly 3 is installed inside the housing 1 via a high-temperature resistant bearing. Based on the same inventive concept, the present invention also provides a non-magnetically controlled valve position indication method, based on a non-magnetically controlled valve position indication device, comprising the following steps: In response to the linear motion of the valve stem, the linear motion of the valve stem is converted into mechanical transmission motion through a transmission mechanism; the transmission mechanism drives the strain mechanism, causing the strain mechanism to generate elastic deformation corresponding to the valve position; the sensing mechanism detects the deformation amount and deformation direction of the strain mechanism, and outputs an electrical signal proportional to the deformation amount with the direction of the electrical signal consistent with the deformation direction; based on the direction and amplitude of the electrical signal, the opening and closing state and stroke position of the valve are determined.
[0027] In some embodiments, when the valve stem undergoes axial displacement, the linear motion is first transmitted to a first transmission assembly 2 that is directly mechanically connected to the valve stem. The first transmission assembly 2 may be a rigid push rod or rack structure, with one end fixed to the end of the valve stem by threads, clamps, or flanges, and the other end provided with gears or tooth blocks.
[0028] The second transmission component 4 can be designed as a ring rack or chain structure, which constitutes the main motion conversion and transmission link. The second transmission component 4 is tensioned and supported in the housing by at least two rotating components 3 (i.e., fixed pulleys). The rotating components 3 are installed inside the housing 1 by high-temperature resistant bearings to ensure smooth rotation under high and low temperature alternation and vibration environments.
[0029] The output end of the first transmission component 2, such as a gear, meshes with one side of the second transmission component 4. When the valve stem drives the first transmission component 2 to move linearly, it drives the ring rack 4 to rotate around the fixed pulley 3 through the gear-rack pair.
[0030] Engaged on the other side of the second transmission assembly 4 is the third transmission assembly 6. The third transmission assembly 6 can also be designed as a push rod or swing arm structure with gears. The rotational motion of the second transmission assembly 4 drives the third transmission assembly 6 to produce a linear or angular oscillating output.
[0031] The output end of the third transmission component 6 is connected to the first strain component 9 and the second strain component 13, which are arranged symmetrically, through the first connecting component 8 and the second connecting component 12, respectively. The linear or oscillating motion of the third transmission component 6 is converted into a pushing or pulling force on the first connecting component 8 and the second connecting component 12.
[0032] To buffer impacts, ensure smooth movement, and guarantee that the strain gauge components can reset when the valve stem reverses, a first elastic component 7 is provided between the first connecting component 8 and the third transmission component 6, and a second elastic component 11 is provided between the second connecting component 12 and the third transmission component 6. These two elastic components (7, 11) can be high-temperature resistant helical springs, with their preload directions set to opposite directions according to the valve's opening and closing strokes. When the third transmission component 6 moves in one direction, it compresses one elastic component while simultaneously stretching the other, thus converting the unidirectional mechanical motion into opposite forces applied to the two strain gauge components (9, 13).
[0033] In some embodiments, the specific process of determining the opening / closing state and stroke position of the valve based on the direction and amplitude of the electrical signal is as follows: The first sensing component 10 and the second sensing component 14 respectively acquire the deformation signals of the first strain component 9 and the second strain component 13 in real time, and convert them into voltage signals. (Corresponding to terminals A and B of the first sensing component 10) and (Corresponding to terminals C and D of the second sensing component 14). The acquired signal is filtered by an analog filter circuit to remove high-frequency noise, and then converted into a digital signal by an analog-to-digital converter (ADC). and The system is based on and The two valve stroke values were calculated. and The two stroke values are the same in magnitude but opposite in direction. The two stroke values are mutually calibrated and error-tolerant, improving the reliability of the position indicator. The strain gauge is defined as having a positive output for tension and a negative output for compression.
[0034] like , denoted as "positive direction"; if , which is denoted as "negative direction"; like , denoted as "positive direction"; if , which is denoted as "negative direction".
[0035] Simultaneously record the absolute value. and .
[0036] like and opposite directions , If the absolute value of the valve reaches the valve's designed stroke value, then the valve is fully closed. like and opposite directions , If the absolute value of the valve reaches the valve's designed stroke value, then the valve is fully closed. like and If the directions are opposite, the absolute value does not reach the valve's designed stroke value, and the values are the same, then the valve stroke is in the opening and closing process; like and If the directions are the same, or the absolute values are different, then the position indicator or the valve is malfunctioning.
[0037] A calculation model for the force and strain output of the sensing area is established, as well as a calculation model for the force and valve stroke, ultimately yielding the complete calculation model. The calculation model for the force and strain output of the sensing area includes the calculation of the relationship between spring force and strain, as shown in the following equation:
[0038]
[0039] in, It is the spring force; The elastic modulus of the strain material in the sensing region; For strained materials, stress; The strain is the strain of the strain material; The area of the strain region; The calculation models for the output voltage and strain force of the strain sensor are shown below:
[0040] in, The sensitivity coefficient of the strain gauge is obtained by using a Wheatstone bridge circuit. This refers to the output voltage. The supply voltage for the bridge input; Due to the presence of the spring, the valve stroke consists of the spring's compression or elongation and the deformation of the material in the sensing area. According to Hooke's Law, the spring deformation is calculated as follows:
[0041] in, K represents the compression or elongation of the spring; K is the stiffness value. The deformation of the material in the sensing area is calculated as follows:
[0042] in, The deformation of the material in the sensing area; The thickness of the material in the sensing area; The valve stroke calculation model is as follows:
[0043] in, Indicates valve stroke; Considering that the valve operates in a high-temperature and high-pressure environment, the revised valve stroke calculation model is as follows:
[0044] in, For pressure; The temperature difference between the operating temperature and the ambient temperature; The coefficient of thermal expansion of the material in the sensing region; It is the high-temperature elastic modulus.
[0045] The results are directly calculated by the host computer, and the valve status (open, closed, or any intermediate position) and specific stroke are displayed in real time, and status indicator lights or audible and visual prompts are provided.
[0046] Continuous system monitoring and The trend and consistency of the changes. If both signals fail simultaneously, exceed the range, or have contradictory directional logic, or have different absolute values, a fault alarm will be triggered, indicating "sensor abnormality" or "mechanical transmission fault," and the previous valid state or safe state indication will be maintained.
Claims
1. A non-magnetically controlled valve position indicating device, characterized in that, include: The system comprises a housing, a transmission mechanism, a strain mechanism, and a sensing mechanism. The transmission mechanism is disposed within the housing, with one end connected to the valve stem and the other end connected to the strain mechanism. The sensing mechanism is disposed on the strain mechanism and is used to detect the deformation of the strain mechanism caused by the movement of the valve stem, and output a detection signal corresponding to the valve position.
2. The non-magnetically controlled valve position indicating device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The strain mechanism includes a first strain component and a second strain component arranged symmetrically, and the transmission mechanism is connected to the first strain component and the second strain component respectively through a first connecting component and a second connecting component.
3. The non-magnetically controlled valve position indicating device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes an elastic mechanism, which includes a first elastic component and a second elastic component. The first elastic component is connected between the transmission mechanism and the first strain component, and the second elastic component is connected between the transmission mechanism and the second strain component.
4. The non-magnetically controlled valve position indicating device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The sensing mechanism includes a first sensing component and a second sensing component, wherein the first sensing component is disposed on the first strain component and the second sensing component is disposed on the second strain component.
5. The non-magnetically controlled valve position indicating device as described in claim 4, characterized in that, The first sensing component and the second sensing component are strain sensors. The direction and amplitude of the output signals of the first sensing component and the second sensing component together characterize the opening and closing state and stroke position of the valve.
6. The non-magnetically controlled valve position indicating device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The transmission mechanism includes a first transmission component, a second transmission component, and a third transmission component connected in sequence. The first transmission component is connected to the valve stem, the third transmission component is connected to the strain mechanism, and the two ends of the second transmission component are respectively connected to the first transmission component and the third transmission component.
7. The non-magnetically controlled valve position indicating device as described in claim 6, characterized in that, It also includes a rotating component, the second transmission component is a ring rack structure, the rotating component includes at least two fixed pulleys, the second transmission component is wound around the fixed pulleys, and the first transmission component and the third transmission component are both meshed with the second transmission component.
8. The non-magnetically controlled valve position indicating device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The internal cavity of the housing is connected to the valve cavity.
9. The non-magnetically controlled valve position indicating device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a support assembly, which is installed inside the housing, and the transmission mechanism passes through the support assembly.
10. A non-magnetically controlled valve position indication method, based on the non-magnetically controlled valve position indication device according to any one of claims 1-9, characterized in that, Includes the following steps: In response to the linear motion of the valve stem, the linear motion of the valve stem is converted into mechanical transmission motion through the transmission mechanism; The transmission mechanism drives the strain mechanism, causing the strain mechanism to produce elastic deformation corresponding to the valve position; The sensor detects the deformation and direction of the strain mechanism and outputs an electrical signal that is proportional to the deformation and whose direction is consistent with the deformation direction. Based on the direction and amplitude of the electrical signal, the opening and closing status and stroke position of the valve are determined.