Non-contact visual display for motion sensing.

Abstract

The indication system includes the following features: the mechanism is within an enclosure; the indicator is attached to an exterior surface of the enclosure; a magnet couples the indicator to a component of the mechanism that indicates the state of the mechanism; and the indicator displays a reading indicative of the state of the mechanism in response to the magnetic coupling.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to techniques for visual indication of the status of machine components. [Background technology]

[0002] Control valves are used for a variety of functions in plant or pipeline operations. Such valves are used to direct, isolate, and / or throttle fluids through various conduits within a plant or pipeline. Control valves can be manually operated, actuated, or both. Actuated valves can be actuated at the control valve itself or remotely, for example, from a control room or data van. Some control valves also include position feedback mechanisms. Such position feedback can provide a visual indication or signal indicating position that can be interpreted by a remote site. Summary of the Invention

[0003] A non-contact visual indication for motion sensing is provided.

[0004] In one embodiment, a device is provided that mounts to an exterior surface of an enclosure. In some embodiments, the device includes a lever configured to magnetically couple with a mechanism within the enclosure. An indicator can be mechanically coupled to the lever. The indicator can exhibit a color dependent on the position of the lever.

[0005] In some embodiments, the indicator may include a binary indicator or a graduated indicator. In some embodiments, the indicator may include one or more flaps. Each flap may include two sides, a first side of each flap being a first color and a second side of each flap being a second color.

[0006] In another embodiment, an indication system is provided and can include a mechanism within an enclosure. An indicator can be attached to an exterior surface of the enclosure. A magnet can couple the indicator to a component of the mechanism that indicates a state of the mechanism. The indicator can display a reading indicative of the state of the mechanism in response to the magnetic coupling.

[0007] In some aspects, the magnet can be in the enclosure or in the indicator. The indicator can include a binary indicator or a graduated indicator. In some embodiments, the indicator can include one or more flaps.

[0008] In some embodiments, the enclosure may be an explosion-proof enclosure. Various mechanisms may be housed within the enclosure. For example, the mechanisms may include electromechanical switches or position feedback sensors.

[0009] In another implementation, a method is provided, the method may include mounting an indicator on an exterior of an enclosure that houses the mechanism such that a magnet magnetically couples the indicator with a component of the mechanism, and the indicator displays a reading indicative of a state of the mechanism in response to the magnetic coupling.

[0010] In some embodiments, the mechanism can be received within the enclosure before attaching the indicator to the outside of the enclosure. The enclosure can then be opened and a magnet can be attached to a component of the mechanism. The component can indicate the mechanism status. The enclosure can then be closed. In some embodiments, the mechanism can include a proximity switch. In some embodiments, the enclosure can be an explosion-proof enclosure.

[0011] In some embodiments, the indicator may include a binary indicator and / or a graduated indicator. The indicator may include one or more flaps. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0012] These and other features will be more readily understood from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. [Figure 1A] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional side view of an exemplary arrangement within an explosion-proof enclosure having an indicator attached to the exterior surface of the enclosure. [Figure 1B] 1A and 1B are front views of an exemplary mechanism in a first position and a second position, respectively. [Figure 1C] 1A and 1B are front views of an exemplary mechanism in a first position and a second position, respectively. [Figure 2A] 1 is an exemplary mechanism that may be used with aspects of the present disclosure. [Figure 2B] 1 is an exemplary mechanism that may be used with aspects of the present disclosure. [Figure 2C] 1 is an exemplary mechanism that may be used with aspects of the present disclosure. [Figure 3A] 1 is an exemplary indicator display that may be used with aspects of the present disclosure. [Figure 3B] 1 is an exemplary indicator display that may be used with aspects of the present disclosure. [Figure 3C] 1 is an exemplary indicator display that may be used with aspects of the present disclosure.

[0013] The details of one or more embodiments of the subject matter described in this disclosure are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other features and advantages of the subject matter will be apparent from the description, drawings, and claims. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0014] Certain embodiments will now be described to provide a thorough understanding of the principles of the structure, function, manufacture, and use of the devices and methods disclosed herein. One or more examples of these embodiments are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Those skilled in the art will understand that the devices and methods explicitly described herein and illustrated in the accompanying drawings are non-limiting embodiments, and that features illustrated or described in connection with one embodiment may be combined with features of other embodiments. Such modifications and variations are intended to be within the scope of the present invention.

[0015] Furthermore, in this disclosure, like-named components of embodiments generally have similar characteristics, and therefore, every feature of each like-named component within a particular embodiment is not necessarily described in full detail. Additionally, to the extent that linear or circular dimensions are used in describing the disclosed systems, devices, and methods, such dimensions are not intended to limit the types of shapes that may be used with such systems, devices, and methods. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the equivalents of such linear and circular dimensions can be readily determined for any geometric shape. The size and shape of the systems and devices and their components may depend, at least, on the anatomical structure of the subject with whom the systems and devices are to be used, the size and shape of the components with which the systems and devices are to be used, and the method and procedure with which the systems and devices are to be used.

[0016] The present disclosure relates to visual position indicators that can be installed and / or retrofitted to existing valves. Such indicators can be added to existing valves without compromising the enclosure rating that houses the valve mechanism. That is, no new penetrations need to be added to the existing valve enclosure. The visual indication of valve position can act as a fail-safe in the event of a valve feedback sensor failure. Alternatively or additionally, such a visual indication may be the only feedback indication for some valves, such as maintenance isolation valves. The visual indicators described herein can be added to existing valves that may not include such visual indicators, improving the safety of field personnel. Alternatively or additionally, the visual indicators described herein can be added to an enclosure with a faulty visual indicator without the need to send the enclosure in for service.

[0017] As shown in FIG. 1A , the mechanism 102 is housed within an explosion-proof enclosure 104, for example, within a hydrocarbon processing facility. While primarily described as an explosion-proof enclosure within the context of this disclosure, the enclosure may be any form of enclosure that cannot be easily opened in the field, such as a Class I, Division I, or Division II enclosure. Such enclosures are used where hazardous atmospheres may be present. Explosion-proof enclosures (and Class I enclosures) do not have openings for easy access. Such sealing reduces the likelihood of a hazardous or flammable atmosphere entering the enclosure (Class I) or reduces the risk of ignition of a flammable atmosphere by containing such ignited atmosphere within the enclosure (explosion-proof).

[0018] Such requirements make it difficult to allow shafts or other mechanical devices to extend outside the enclosure 104, especially in brownfield installations where many enclosures may already be installed in hazardous environments. Therefore, the indicator 106, which is attached or otherwise mounted to the exterior of the enclosure 104, needs a way to couple to the mechanism 102 within the enclosure 104 without penetrating the enclosure 104. To solve this problem, in one embodiment, a magnet 108 can couple the indicator 106 to a component 110 of the mechanism 102 that indicates the state of the mechanism 102. In the context of the present disclosure, the mechanism 102 includes a mechanical component that moves relative to the state of a mechanical device, e.g., a valve actuator that moves relative to a valve position. Alternatively or additionally, the mechanism 102 can include a mechanical component that moves relative to the state of an electrical device, e.g., a solenoid. Non-limiting examples of such mechanisms are described throughout this disclosure. In some implementations, the magnet 108 is within the enclosure 104 and attached directly to a component, such as the lever 114 coupled to the positioning shaft 112, as shown in FIG. 1B where the positioning shaft 112 and lever 114 are in a first position and in FIG. 1C where the positioning shaft 112 and lever 114 are in a second position. In such embodiments, the indicator includes a component such as a lever made of a magnetic material, such as steel, that enables magnetic coupling. In some implementations, the magnet 108 is located within the indicator 106. In such embodiments, the mechanism includes a component such as a lever made of a magnetic material, such as steel, that enables magnetic coupling. Alternatively or additionally, both the mechanism 102 and the indicator can include magnets positioned across the shell of the enclosure 104 to magnetically couple to each other. All of the configurations described herein allow for separate, stand-alone indicators to be installed on an existing enclosure 104 without compromising the integrity of the enclosure 104.

[0019] The indicator 106 itself, when installed on the enclosure, is configured to indicate the state of the mechanism 102 within the enclosure 104. For example, in some embodiments, the indicator 106 may exhibit or display a first color when the mechanism is in a first state and may display or display a second color when the mechanism 102 is in a second state. Regardless of what is displayed by the indicator, the reading displayed by the indicator is displayed in response to magnetic coupling.

[0020] 2A-2C are exemplary mechanisms that may be used with aspects of the present disclosure. For example, in some embodiments, the mechanism may include an electromechanical switch 102a. In such embodiments, a magnet 108 may be positioned on the movable contact 202. Alternatively or additionally, the magnet 108 may be included within the indicator. In such embodiments, the magnet couples to the movable contact via an enclosure 104.

[0021] In some implementations, the mechanism may include a proximity switch 102b. In such embodiments, the magnet 108 may be positioned on a component of the position-indicating mechanism, such as the lever 204. Alternatively or additionally, the magnet 108 may be included within the indicator. In such embodiments, the magnet couples to the movable contact via the enclosure 104.

[0022] In some embodiments, the mechanism may include a position feedback sensor 102c. In such embodiments, the magnet 108 may be positioned on a component of the mechanism that indicates position, such as the gear 206. Alternatively or additionally, the magnet 108 may be included within the indicator. In such embodiments, the magnet couples to the movable contact via the enclosure 104.

[0023] 3A, 3B, and 3C are exemplary indicator displays that may be used with aspects of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, the indicator displays a binary state, such as open or closed, on or off, etc. In some embodiments, the indicator displays a staged state of the mechanism, such as the percentage of a valve open or closed, or the distance from a proximity sensor (illustrated in FIG. 3C).

[0024] In some embodiments, the indicator can include one or more flaps 302. Each flap includes two sides, with the first side being a first color and the second side being a second color. Alternatively or additionally, the indicator can include a color wheel having multiple sectors, each sector indicating a different state.

[0025] During assembly, the indicator 106 is attached to the outside of the enclosure 104 that houses the mechanism 102 such that the magnet 108 magnetically couples the indicator to the component 110 of the mechanism 102, and the indicator 106 displays a reading indicative of the status of the mechanism 102 in response to the magnetic coupling. In some embodiments, the enclosure 104 and mechanism 102 are pre-assembled in a secure location so that they can be coupled to the indicator 106. In one example, the mechanism 102 is placed and received within the enclosure 104. The enclosure 104 is then opened. The magnet 108 is then attached to the component 110 of the mechanism 102. As a reminder, the component 110 indicates the mechanism status. The enclosure 104 is then closed or otherwise sealed with the mechanism 102 and magnet 108 inside.

[0026] While this disclosure includes details of many specific embodiments, these should not be construed as limitations on the scope of what may be claimed, but rather as descriptions of features unique to particular inventions. Some features described in this disclosure in the context of separate embodiments may also be implemented in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features described in the context of a single embodiment may also be implemented in multiple embodiments separately or in any suitable subcombination. Furthermore, while features may be described above as acting in particular combinations and initially claimed as such, one or more features from a claimed combination may, in some cases, be deleted from the combination, and the claimed combination may be directed to a subcombination or a variation of the subcombination.

[0027] Similarly, although operations are shown in the figures in a particular order, this should not be understood as requiring such operations to be performed in the particular order shown, or in sequential order, or that all of the illustrated operations be performed, to achieve desired results. Furthermore, it should be understood that the separation of various system components in the embodiments described above does not require such separation in all embodiments, and that the described components and systems may generally be integrated together in a single product or packaged in multiple products.

[0028] Thus, specific embodiments of the subject matter have been described. Other embodiments are within the scope of the following claims. In some cases, the actions recited in the claims can be performed in a different order and still achieve desirable results. In addition, the processes depicted in the accompanying figures do not necessarily require the particular order shown, or sequential order, to achieve desirable results.

Claims

1. A device mounted on an exterior surface of an enclosure, comprising: a lever positioned to magnetically couple with a mechanism within the enclosure, the magnetic coupling extending across the enclosure between the lever and the mechanism; an indicator mechanically coupled to the lever, the indicator exhibiting a color dependent on the position of the lever.

2. The device of claim 1 , wherein the indicator comprises a binary indicator.

3. The device of claim 1 , wherein the indicator comprises a graduated indicator.

4. 10. The device of claim 1, wherein the indicator comprises one or more flaps, each flap having two sides, a first side of each flap being a first color and a second side of each flap being a second color.

5. 1. A display system comprising: An enclosure; a mechanism within the enclosure; and an indicator attached to an outer surface of the enclosure; a magnet coupling the indicator to a component of the mechanism that indicates a state of the mechanism, the indicator responsive to the magnetic coupling to display a reading indicative of the state of the mechanism.

6. The display system of claim 5 , wherein the magnet is within the enclosure.

7. The indication system of claim 5 , wherein the magnet is within the indicator.

8. The display system of claim 5 , wherein the enclosure is an explosion-proof enclosure.

9. The display system of claim 5 , wherein the mechanism is an electromechanical switch.

10. The display system of claim 5 , wherein the mechanism is a position feedback sensor.

11. The display system of claim 5 , wherein the indicator comprises a binary indicator.

12. The display system of claim 5 , wherein the indicator comprises a graduated indicator.

13. The display system of claim 5 , wherein the indicator comprises one or more flaps.

14. 1. A method comprising:

10. A method comprising: mounting an indicator on an exterior of an enclosure housing the mechanism such that a magnet magnetically couples the indicator with a component of the mechanism, the indicator responsive to the magnetic coupling to display a reading indicative of a state of the mechanism.

15. receiving the mechanism within the enclosure; opening the enclosure; attaching the magnet to the component of the mechanism, the component indicating a mechanism state; The method of claim 14 further comprising: closing the enclosure.

16. The method of claim 14 , wherein the mechanism is a proximity switch.

17. The method of claim 14, wherein the enclosure is an explosion-proof enclosure.

18. The method of claim 14 , wherein the indicator comprises a binary indicator.

19. The method of claim 14 , wherein the indicator comprises a graduated indicator.

20. The method of claim 14 , wherein the indicator comprises one or more flaps.

Images