System for automatically controlling a valve of a device

The system automatically controls valves in devices by using a cylindrical cam and motor-driven gears to override the valve's safety mechanism, addressing the lack of user-friendly automatic control in existing systems and enhancing safety by preventing accidents.

WO2025104742A1PCT designated stage expired Publication Date: 2025-05-22RATHINAM KARTHIK SINGARAM
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Patent Information

Application Number
PCT/IN2024/052228
Authority / Receiving Office
WO · WO
Patent Type
Applications
Current Assignee / Owner
Priority Date
2023-11-16
Filing Date
2024-11-13
Publication Date
2025-05-22

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing systems for controlling valves in devices such as gas stoves and industrial plants are either fully manual or fully motorized, lacking user-friendly automatic control options and effective safety mechanisms, which can lead to accidents due to unattended appliances.

Method used

A system comprising a cylindrical cam, motor, gears, and a control unit that allows for automatic control of a valve by receiving inputs from a user device, activating the motor to move the gears and cam, and overriding the valve's safety mechanism to prevent accidents.

Benefits of technology

Enables automated and manual control of valves without interrupting other system components, providing enhanced safety by preventing accidents due to unattended appliances and reducing the risk of gas leaks and fires.

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Abstract

An embodiment herein provides a system for automatically controlling a valve of a device. The system includes a control unit that is configured to (i) receive an input, (ii) activate a motor in any directions to move a third gear which in turn (a) rotates a cylindrical cam which in turn moves a first end of a cam follower up and a second end of the cam follower down to enable a cam follower to push the shaft down to a pre-determined point, (b) enables third gear protrusions to contact with second gear protrusions to rotate the second gear, which in turn rotates a first gear, and (iii) activate the motor in any directions to disengage the second gear and third gear protrusions, and enable the third gear, the cylindrical cam and the cam follower to move to their respective resting position.
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Description

SYSTEM FOR AUTOMATICALLY CONTROLLING A VALVE OF A DEVICEBACKGROUNDTechnical Field

[0001] The embodiments herein generally relate to control a valve or a knob, more particularly to a system and a method for automatically controlling a valve of a device i.e. a gas stove / burner, an industrial plant, a boiler, a water tank, and the like.Description of the Related Art

[0002] Fires are identified as the second most common cause of industrial / household accidents. Incidents involving unattended stoves / burner or heating appliances that is left switched on may lead to devastating consequences, resulting in property damage, injuries, and even loss of life. Similarly, gas leaks also pose a severe threat to both life as well as property in household and industries. Accidental gas leaks may lead to explosions, fires, and asphyxiation, making it essential to have a system in place to detect and prevent such incidents promptly. People often forget to switch off stove / burners / heating appliances, causing accidents and creating a sense of unease in their surroundings. Additionally, people tend to double-check their stoves upon leaving home, leading to anxiety and potential distractions. To mitigate the risk of accidents due to unattended heating / cooking, some users resort to using external timers. However, these solutions are not fool proof and may not cover all potential hazards.

[0003] Existing knobs / valves in the market are either fully manual or fully motorized methods. Few valves support both manual and motorized methods, but involves a user action like button press to switch between the automatic method and the manual method whichmakes the automatic method ineffective and not user-friendly. And, these existing systems do not disclose about safety mechanisms of the valves and how to override them.

[0004] Another existing system uses electronically controlled solenoid valves which are connected in parallel or series to a manually controlled valve to control the device. However, this existing system use lot of electronic components which in turn increases the cost and complexity of manufacturing.

[0005] However, there remains a need for a system and a method for automatically controlling a valve that is placed outside or inside a device i.e. a gas stove / burner, an industrial plant, a boiler, a water tank, and the like.SUMMARY

[0006] In view of the foregoing, an embodiment herein provides a system for automatically controlling a valve of a device. The system includes a cylindrical cam, a motor, a first gear, a second gear, a third gear, and a control unit. The cylindrical cam is engaged to a shaft of the valve of the device using a cam follower. The cam follower includes a first end and a second end, that is pivoted in between the cylindrical cam and the valve of the device. The motor is configured to connect with a gearbox. The gearbox includes one or more gears including an input gear and an output gear. The first gear includes a first end and a second end. The first end of the first gear is connected to the shaft of the valve of the device. The second gear includes a first end and a second end. The first end of the second gear is connected to the second end of the first gear, and the second end of the second gear is linked to third gear protrusions. The third gear includes a first end that is connected to the output gear of the gearbox and a second end that is connected to the cylindrical cam. The control unit is configured to connect with the motor and a user device. The control unit is configuredto receive an input from the user device. The input from the user device includes at least one position of the valve of the device. The control unit is configured to control the valve of the device to at least one position based on the input by analyzing the input and activating the motor in any of a first direction or second direction to move the third gear which in turn (i) rotates the cylindrical cam which in turn moves the first end of the cam follower up and the second end of the cam follower down to enable the cam follower to push the shaft down to a pre-determined point, (ii) enables the third gear protrusions to contact with protrusions of the second gear to rotate the second gear, which in turn rotates the first gear. The control unit is configured to activate the motor in any of the second direction or the first direction to disengage the protrusions of the second gear and the third gear, and enable the third gear, the cylindrical cam and the cam follower to move to their respective resting position.

[0007] In some embodiments, the second gear and the third gear are disengaged to control the valve of the device manually without loads of the motor or the gear box.

[0008] In some embodiments, the system includes at least one of a potentiometer or a rotary encoder that is connected to a gear that is meshed with the first gear to determine an angle of the shaft of the valve of the device.

[0009] In some embodiments, the motor rotates the third gear in reverse direction to disengage the protrusions of the second gear and the third gear. The system includes a magnetic portion on the third gear which is configured to determine the resting position.

[0010] In some embodiments, the system includes a sensor that is arranged at any position near the magnetic portion to detect the resting position. The resting position is detected by at least any one of a light, an infra-red, magnet or contact mechanisms.

[0011] In some embodiments, the valve of the device is controlled by the input from the user device. The input includes any one of a switch-off position, a switch-on position, a high flow position, a low flow position, or any angle position. The valve is placed inside or outside the device.

[0012] In some embodiments, the system includes a gas sensor and a temperature sensor that are connected to the control unit. The gas sensor detects gas leakage in the device and the temperature sensor detects flame blowouts in the device by measuring the temperature around the device in real-time.

[0013] In some embodiments, the gas sensor detects a gas leakage value and enables the control unit to (a) compare the detected gas leakage value with a pre-determined threshold gas leakage value, and (b) activate the motor to switch the valve of the device to any position, when the detected gas leakage valve is above or below the pre-determined threshold gas leakage value. The control unit may activate the motor to switch OFF the valve of the device.

[0014] In some embodiments, the temperature sensor detects a temperature value and enables the control unit to (a) compare the detected temperature value with a pre-determined threshold temperature value, and (b) activate the motor to switch the valve of the device to any position, when the detected temperature valve is below or above the pre-determined threshold temperature value. The control unit may activate the motor to switch OFF the valve of the device.

[0015] In an aspect, an embodiment herein provides a method for automatically controlling a valve of a device. The method includes receiving an input from a user device. The input from the user device includes at least one position of the valve of the device. The method includes controlling the valve of the device to at least one position by analyzing theinput by a control unit and activating a motor in any of a first direction or a second direction to move a third gear which in turn (i) rotates the cylindrical cam which in turn moves a first end of a cam follower up and a second end of the cam follower down to enable the cam follower to push the shaft down to a pre-determined point, and (ii) enables third gear protrusions to contact with second gear protrusions to rotate the second gear, which in turn rotates the first gear. The method includes activating the motor in any of the second direction or the first direction to disengage the protrusions of the second gear and the third gear, and enabling the third gear, the cylindrical cam and the cam follower to move to their respective resting position.

[0016] The system and method enable the user to perform automated and manual control of the valve of the device without interrupting other parts and components of the system. The system enables automated control of the valve's safety mechanism by pressing and rotating the valves. Readings from the potentiometer or the rotary encoder can be used to display and record a status of the valve of the device on a user interface or any standalone system. The potentiometer or the rotary encoder, determines the angle of the valve of the device accurately. The recorded status of the valve of the device can be utilized for detailed analytics and automation. The system or the gears in the system can incorporate clutch mechanisms to protect motors, axles, gears, and the system from damage that may be caused if the system encounters any issue that would prevent it from moving, while the motor is still running.

[0017] These and other aspects of the embodiments herein will be better appreciated and understood when considered in conjunction with the following description and the accompanying drawings. It should be understood, however, that the following descriptions,while indicating preferred embodiments and numerous specific details thereof, are given by way of illustration and not of limitation. Many changes and modifications may be made within the scope of the embodiments herein without departing from the spirit thereof, and the embodiments herein include all such modifications.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018] The embodiments herein will be better understood from the following detailed description with reference to the drawings, in which:

[0019] FIG 1 illustrates a block diagram of a system for automatically controlling a valve of a device according to some embodiments herein;

[0020] FIGS. 2A and 2B illustrate exemplary views of the system of FIG. 1 according to some embodiments herein;

[0021] FIG. 2C illustrates a cam follower of the system of FIG. 2A in a resting position according to some embodiments herein;

[0022] FIG. 2D illustrates a cam follower of the system of FIG. 2A at an angle for controlling a valve according to some embodiments herein;

[0023] FIG. 3 illustrates a block diagram of the system of FIG. 1 for automatically controlling the valve of the device according to some embodiments herein; and

[0024] FIG. 4 illustrates a method of automatically controlling a valve of a device using the system of FIG.l according to some embodiments herein.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0025] The embodiments herein and the various features and advantageous details thereof are explained more fully with reference to the non-limiting embodiments that are illustrated in the accompanying drawings and detailed in the following description.Descriptions of well-known components and processing techniques are omitted so as to not unnecessarily obscure the embodiments herein. The examples used herein are intended merely to facilitate an understanding of ways in which the embodiments herein may be practiced and to further enable those of skill in the art to practice the embodiments herein. Accordingly, the examples should not be construed as limiting the scope of the embodiments herein.

[0026] As mentioned, there remains a need for a system and a method for automatically controlling a valve in a device i.e. a gas stove / burner, an industrial plant, a boiler, a water tank and the like. Referring now to the drawings, and more particularly, FIGS. 1 through 3, where similar reference characters denote corresponding features consistently throughout the figures, preferred embodiments are shown.

[0027] FIG. 1 illustrates a block diagram of a system 100 for automatically controlling a valve 102 of a device 104 according to some embodiments herein. The system 100 includes a motor 108, a first gear 110, a second gear 112, a third gear 114, a control unit 116, and a user device 118. The system 100 may be configured to connect with the valve 102 of the device 104. In some embodiments, the device 104 can be any of a gas stove, a gas burner, an industrial plant, a boiler, a water tank, and the like. The device may be an internet connected device (e.g. an internet connected gas stove / burner, an internet connected industrial plant, an internet connected boiler, etc). The valve 102 may be placed outside or inside the device 104. A cam profile is engaged to a shaft of the valve 102 of the device 104 using a cam follower. The cam follower includes a first end and a second end. The cam follower is pivoted in between the cam profile and the valve 102 of the device 104. The motor 108 is configured to connect with a gearbox 120. The gearbox 120 includes one or more gearsincluding an input gear and an output gear.

[0028] The first gear 110 includes a first end and a second end. The first end of the first gear 110 is connected to the shaft of the valve 102 of the device 104. The first gear 110 may be a spur gear, a worm gear, and the like. The second gear 112 includes a first end and a second end. The first end of the second gear 112 is connected to the second end of the first gear 110, and the second end of the second gear 112 is coupled to third gear protrusions. The second gear 112 may be a spur gear, a worm gear, and the like. The third gear 114 includes a first end that is connected to the output gear of the gearbox 120 and a second end that is connected to a cylindrical cam. The third gear 114 may be a spur gear, a bevel gear, a worm gear, and the like. In some embodiments, the second gear 112 and the third gear 114 are disengaged to control the valve 102 of the device 104 manually without loads of the motor 108 and the gearbox 120.

[0029] The control unit 116 is configured to connect with the motor 108 and the user device 118. The user device 118 may be any of a mobile device, a smart phone, a mobile phone, a computer, a laptop, a control panel display, a physical keyboard, a rotary encoder switch, in device display or a personal handheld device. In some embodiments, the control unit 116 can be connected with the user device 118 through a network. The network may be a wired network, a wireless network, or a combination of both the wired and the wireless network. The control unit 116 is configured to receive an input from the user device 118. The input from the user device 118 includes at least one position of the valve 102 of the device 104. The input may include any one of a switch-off position, a switch-on position, a high flow position, a low flow position, or any angle position.

[0030] The control unit 116 is configured to control the valve 102 of the device 104 to the at least one position based on the input by analyzing the input and activating the motor 108 in any of a first direction or a second direction to move the third gear 114 which in turn (i) rotates the cylindrical cam which in turn moves the first end of the cam follower up and the second end of the cam follower down to enable the cam follower to push the shaft down to a pre-determined point, and (ii) enables the third gear protrusions to contact with protrusions of the second gear 112 to rotate the second gear 112, which in turn rotates the first gear 110. The control unit is configured to activate the motor 108 in any of the second direction or the first direction to disengage the protrusions of the second gear 112 and the third gearl 14, and enabling the third gear 114, the cylindrical cam and the cam follower to move to their respective resting position. The system 100 may enable movement of the third gear 114, the cylindrical cam and the cam follower to the resting position, once the control unit 116 controls the valve 102 of the device 104.

[0031] In some embodiments, movement of the motor 108 in any of the first direction and the second direction includes moving the valve 102 of the device 104 in any of the switchoff position, the switch-on position, the high flow position, the low flow position, or any angle position. Movement of the motor 108 in the first direction may move the valve 102 of the device 104 from turning ON i.e. the switch ON position, to the at least one position based on the input, or move the valve 102 of the device 104 from the low flow position to the high flow position, and vice versa. Movement of the motor 108 in the second direction may move the valve 102 of the device 104 from at least one position to turning OFF i.e. the switch OFF position, the valve 102 of the device 104, or move the valve 102 of the device 104 from the high flow position to the low flow position, and vice versa. For example, when the valve 102of the device 104 is in the low flow, and the input received is the high flow, the control unit 116 analyzes the input and activates the motor 108 in the first direction to move the valve 102 of the device 104 from the low flow to the high flow. In another example, when the valve 102 of the device 104 is in the high flow, and the input received is the low flow, the control unit 116 analyzes the input and activates the motor 108 in the second direction to move the valve 102 of the device 104 from the high flow to the low flow.

[0032] The system 100 includes a potentiometer 122 connected to a gear that is meshed with the first gear 110 to determine an angle of the shaft of the valve 102 of the device 104. In some embodiments, the potentiometer 122 is connected with the second gear 112. The system 100 may include a rotary encoder to determine the angle of the shaft of the valve 102 of the device 104. The potentiometer 122 or the rotary encoder may determine the status of the valve 102 of the device 104 which enables the control unit 116 to observe or record. The at least one of the potentiometer 122 or the rotary encoder may be connected with any of the gears of the system 100. The determined or observed or recorded status of the valve 102 of the device 104 may be displayed on a user interface or any other standalone system.

[0033] In some embodiments, the motor 108 rotates the third gear 114 in reverse direction to disengage the protrusions of the second gear 112 and the third gear 114. Movement of the motor 108 in the reverse direction may be any of the first direction or the second direction of the motor 108. The system 100 includes a magnetic portion on the third gear 114 which is configured to determine the resting position. The magnetic portion may be a magnetic block 124. In some embodiments, the system 100 includes a sensor that is arranged at any position near the magnetic portion to detect the resting position. The restingposition is detected by at least any one of a light, an infra-red, magnet, potentiometer, encoder, limit switch, contact switch or closure mechanisms. In some embodiments, the third gear 114 moves to the resting position using a pre-loaded spring mechanism.

[0034] In some embodiments the system 100 enables the control unit 116 to control one or more turn valves by appropriately choosing gear ratio between the first gear 110 and the second gear 112.

[0035] In some embodiments, the system 100 controls the valve 104 of the device 102 with pre-determined sets. The pre-determined sets may be the high flow position for a predetermined period of time, the low flow position for a pre-determined period of time, and turning OFF after a pre-determined period of time. In some embodiments, the system 100 can control the valve 104 of the device 102 with a time-based schedule. The time-based schedule may be with pre-determined period of time for high flow, low flow, medium flow, and the like.

[0036] For example, the user may provide pre-determined sets including (i) switch ON position and move the valve 102 of the device 104 to the high flow position at a specified time i.e. 10:00 AM, (ii) idle in the high flow position for 10 minutes, (iii) move the valve 102 of the device 104 to the low flow position for 5 minutes, and (iv) move the valve 102 of the device 104 to the switch OFF position.

[0037] In some embodiments, the system 100 is configured to control and monitor any of liquid flow or a gas flow through pipes through valves. The system 100 may include a spark ignition system that is configured to light up the flame. For example, when the valve 102 of the device 104 is moved to the switch ON position, the control unit 106 is configured to determine a valve angle value with the potentiometer and enables the spark ignition system to light up the flame. In some embodiments, the control unit 106 triggers the spark ignition system when thevalve 102 of the device 104 is switched ON.

[0038] In some embodiments, the system 100 is configured to control any electrical appliances within an environment. The system 100 may be communicatively connected with any of the electrical appliances with the environment. The environment may be selected from any of a kitchen, an industrial space, a treatment plant and the like. The electrical appliances may be selected from any of a fan, a cooling system, an air cooler, a lighting system, a blower and the like. For example, when the valve 102 of the device 104 receives the switch OFF position which is within the environment, the system 100 configures to switch OFF the valve 102 of the device 104 and switches ON the blower or the cooling system consecutively.

[0039] FIGS. 2A and 2B illustrate exemplary views of the system 100 of FIG. 1 according to some embodiments herein. The system 100 includes a microcontroller, the cam profile 206, the motor 108, the first gear 110, the second gear 112, the third gear 114, the gear box 120 including one or more gears, a cam follower 216, a potentiometer 218, and a magnet 220. The microcontroller may be communicatively connected to the user device 118 and the motor 108. The motor 108 is configured to connect to the gear box 120. In some embodiments, output speed or output torque of the motor 108 can be stepped up or stepped down using the gear box 120. The valve 102 of the device 104 has a shaft 222 at its first end. The third gear 114 has (a) a first end that is connected to the output gear of the gear box 120 and (b) a second end that is connected to a cylindrical cam 213 which has the cam profile 206. In some embodiments, the output gear of the gear box 120 and the cylindrical cam 213 can be connected with any type of gears. The gears may be a spur gear, a worm gear, a bevel gear and the like. The cam profile 206 is connected to the shaft 222 of the valve 102 using the cam follower 216 that is pivoted in between and the first end rests on the cam profile 206. The second gear 112has a first end that mates to a third gear protrusion 224 when on movement of the third gear 114, and (b) a second end that is connected to the first gear 110 at its first end. In some embodiments, the third gear protrusion 224 may be on the cylindrical cam. In some embodiments, the second gear 112 and the third gear 114 are independent components which enables the device to operate in any of automated method or manual method. The first gear 110 has a second end that is connected to the shaft 222 of the valve 102.

[0040] When the microcontroller receives an input from the user device 118 to control the valve 102 of the device, the microcontroller activates the motor 108, which in turn rotates the gear present in the gear box 120. The input may be any of a switch off position, a switch on position, a high flow position, a low flow position, or any angle position, to control the valve 102 of the device. The rotation of the gear enables the third gear 114 to rotate. When the third gear 114 rotates enables the rotation of the cylindrical cam 213, because of shape of the cam profile 206, a first end of the cam follower 216 moves up which enables the second end of the cam follower 216 to push the shaft 222 down to override the valve's safety mechanism. As the third gear 114 rotates with the shaft 222 that is pushed down, at a certain point, the third gear protrusion 224 comes in contact with the second gear protrusion 226 to rotate the second gear 112 as shown in FIG. 2B. The rotation of the second gear 112 enables the first gear 110 to rotate. The rotation of the first gear 110 enables the shaft 222 to rotate, which in turn rotates the valve 102 of the device 104 to any position based on the input. The potentiometer 218 connected with the second gear 112 to determine an angle of the shaft 222. In some embodiments, the third gear 114 rotates in reverse direction to reach to a resting position i.e. a home position, once a desired position is reached. The resting position may be detected by a sensor that detects the magnet220. In some embodiments, the sensor can be placed at any position near to the magnet 220 todetect the resting position. In some embodiments, the resting position can be detected by any of light, infra-red, or contact mechanisms.

[0041] In some embodiments, the valve 102 is free to rotate so that the user can switch off / on, or move the valve 102 of the device to any position manually. Setup of the third gear 114 and the second gear 112 enables manual control of the valve 102 of the device 104 without any additional motor load while rotating the valve 102. In some embodiments, the system includes a gas sensor, and a temperature / flame sensor. The gas sensor and the temperature sensor are positioned near to / on the device 104 and is communicatively connected to the microcontroller. The gas sensor detects gas leakages in the device 104. The temperature / flame sensor detects flame blow outs in the device by measuring the temperature around the device 104 in real-time. When the gas sensor detects a gas leak from the device 104 or the temperature / flame sensor detects a flame blow out from the device 104, the microcontroller activates the motor 108 which in turn rotates the gear present in the gear box 120. The rotation of the gear enables the third gear 114 to rotate. When the third gear 114 rotates enables the rotation of the cylindrical cam 213, because of shape of the cam profile 206, the first end of the cam follower 216 moves up which enables the second end of the cam follower 216 to push the shaft 222 down to override the valve's safety mechanism. As the third gear 114 rotates with the shaft 222 that is pushed down, and at a certain point the third gear protrusion 224 comes in contact with the second gear protrusion 226 to rotate the second gear 112. The rotation of the second gear 112 enables the first gear 110. The rotation of the first gear 110 enables the shaft 222 to rotate to any position which in turn controls the valve 102 of the device 104, thereby preventing accidents.

[0042] In some embodiments, multi turn valves can also be controlled by changing gearratio between the first gear 110 and the second gear 112.

[0043] In some embodiments, the microcontroller is configured with a threshold gas leakage value and a threshold temperature value. When the gas leakage value or temperature value is received from the respective sensor, the microcontroller (a) compares the measured gas leakage value or temperature value with the respective threshold gas leakage value and threshold temperature value and (b) activates the motor 108 to switch the valve of the device 104 to any position when the measured gas leakage valve or temperature valve is above or below the threshold gas leakage value and threshold temperature value.

[0044] In some embodiments, the user device provides a user interface to (a) configure the threshold gas leakage value and threshold temperature value, and (b) provide an input (e.g. to switch on / off the valve 102, or rotate the valve 102 in any position) to control the valve 102 of the device 104.

[0045] In some embodiments, the valve 102 rotates in any angle where the position of the valve 102 i.e. angle or degree of the valve 102, can be sensed and determined by the potentiometer 218. In some embodiments, the system includes a display and button interface that may enable the user to provide the input to control the valve 102 of the device 104. In some embodiments, the system monitors the manual control of valve 102 of the device 104 using the potentiometer 218 mated to the valve 102 of the device 104. The system may include a control panel display that is used for user to interact with the device 104. In some embodiments, the system includes a timer / a remote control to provide additional safety and warning to users in case of idle burn for long periods. In some embodiments, the valve 102 can be a knob.

[0046] FIG. 2C illustrates the cam follower 216 of the system of FIG. 2A in a restingposition according to some embodiments herein. When the cam follower 216 is in the resting position i.e. a home position, the cam follower 216 does not move and push the shaft 222 down. In some embodiments, the system may enable the third gear 114 to rotate in a reverse direction and moves the cam follower 216 to its resting position. The resting position can be detected by a sensor sensing the magnet 220.

[0047] FIG. 2D illustrates the cam follower 216 of the system of FIG. 2A at an angle for controlling the valve 102 according to some embodiments herein. When the third gear 114 rotates as described above, because of the cam profile 206, a first end of the cam follower 216 moves up and a second end of the cam follower 216 moves down, which enables the cam follower 216 to push the shaft 222 down to override the valve's safety mechanism.

[0048] FIG. 3 illustrates a block diagram of the system 100 of FIG. 1 for automatically controlling the valve 102 of the device 104 according to some embodiments herein. The block diagram includes the device 104, the user device 118, a cloud server 310, and the system 100 including the motor 108, a microcontroller 302, a gas sensor 304, a temperature sensor 306, and a timer 308. The system 100 is communicatively connected to the user device 118 through the cloud server 310. The cloud server 310 receives the input from the user device 118 and communicates the input to the system 100 for controlling the valve 102 of the device 104. The gas sensor 304 and the temperature sensor 306 are connected to the control unit 116. The gas sensor 304 detects gas leakage in the device 104. The temperature sensor 306 detects flame blowouts in the device 104 by measuring the temperature around the device 104 in real-time. The microcontroller 302 may be a controller, processor, an analogue circuit, a System On Chip (SOC), or a System On Module (SOM).

[0049] The gas sensor 304 detects a gas leakage value and enables the control unit116 to (a) compare the detected gas leakage value with a pre-determined threshold gas leakage value, and (b) activate the motor 108 to switch the valve 102 of the device 104 to any position, when the detected gas leakage valve is above or below the pre-determined threshold gas leakage value. The control unit 116 may activate the motor 108 to switch OFF the valve 102 of the device 104. The temperature sensor 306 detects a temperature value and enables the control unit 116 to (a) compare the detected temperature value with a pre-determined threshold temperature value, and (b) activate the motor 108 to switch the valve 102 of the device 104 to any position, when the detected temperature valve is below or above the predetermined threshold temperature value. The control unit 116 may activate the motor 108 to switch OFF the valve 102 of the device 104.

[0050] When the gas sensor 304 detects the gas leak from the device 104 or the temperature sensor 306 detects a flame blow out from the device 104, the microcontroller 302 activates the motor 108, which in turn rotates the gear present in the gear box 120. The microcontroller 302 is communicatively connected to the motor 108. The valve 102 of the device 104 has the shaft 222 at its first end. The third gear 114 has (a) a first end that is connected to the output gear of the gear box 120 and (b) a second end that is connected to the cylindrical cam 213 which has the cam profile 206. The cam profile 206 is connected to the shaft 222 of the valve 102 using the cam follower 216 that is pivoted in between and its first end rests on the cam profile 206. In some embodiments, the cam profile 206 can be a cylindrical path which enables the cam follower 216 to move throughout the rotation of the third gear 114. The second gear 112 has (a) a first end that is mates to the third gear protrusion 224 when on movement of the third gear 114, and (b) a second end that is connected to the first gear 110 at its first end. The first gear 110 has a second end that is connected to the shaft 222.

[0051] When the microcontroller 302 receives the input from the user device 118 through the cloud server 310 to control the valve 102 of the device 104, the microcontroller 302 activates the motor 108 the third gear 114 to rotate. When the third gear 114 rotates by the cam profile 206, a first end of the cam follower 216 moves up and a second end of the cam follower 216 moves down, which enables the cam follower 216 to push the shaft 222 down to override the valve's safety mechanism. As the third gear 114 rotates with the shaft 222 that is pushed down, at a certain point, the third gear protrusion 224 comes in contact with the secondary gear protrusion 226 to rotate the second gear 112. The rotation of the second gear 112 enables the first gear 110 to rotate. The rotation of the first gear 110 enables shaft 222 to rotate, which in turn rotates the valve 102 of the device 104 to any position.

[0052] In some embodiments, the system 100 can be powered by a power supply or a battery to automatically control the valve 102 of the device 104.

[0053] FIG. 4 illustrates a method of automatically controlling the valve 102 of the device 104 using the system 100 of FIG. 1 according to some embodiments herein. At a step 402, an input is received from the user device 118. The input from the user device 118 includes at least one position of the valve 102 of the device 104. At a step 404, the valve 102 of the device 104 is controlled to the at least one position by analyzing the input by the control unit 116 and the motor 108 is activated in any of a first direction or a second direction to move the third gear 114 which in turn (i) rotates the cylindrical cam which in turn moves the first end of the cam follower 216 up and the second end of the cam follower 216 down to enable the cam follower 216 to push the shaft 222 down to the pre-determined point, and (ii) enable the third gear protrusions to contact with the second gear protrusions to rotate the second gear 112, which in turn rotating the first gear 110. At a step 406, the motor 108 isactivated in any of the second direction or the first direction to disengage the protrusions of the second gear 112 and the third gear 114, and enabling the third gear 114, the cylindrical cam and the cam follower to move to their respective resting position.

[0054] The foregoing description of the specific embodiments will so fully reveal the general nature of the embodiments herein that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily modify and / or adapt for various applications such specific embodiments without departing from the generic concept, and, therefore, such adaptations and modifications should and are intended to be comprehended within the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments. It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation. Therefore, while the embodiments herein have been described in terms of preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the embodiments herein can be practiced with modification within the scope.

Claims

CLAIMSI / We Claim:

1. A system for automatically controlling a valve of a device, wherein the system comprises: a cylindrical cam that is engaged to a shaft of the valve of the device using a cam follower, wherein the cam follower comprises a first end and a second end, that is pivoted in between the cylindrical cam and the valve of the device; a motor that is configured to connect with a gearbox, wherein the gearbox comprises a plurality of gears comprising an input gear and an output gear, to control the valve of the device by rotating the plurality of gears; a first gear that comprises a first end and a second end, wherein the first end of the first gear is connected to the shaft of the valve of the device; a second gear that comprises a first end and a second end, wherein the first end of the second gear is connected to the second end of the first gear, and the second end of the second gear is coupled to third gear protrusions; a third gear that comprises a first end that is connected to the output gear of the gearbox and a second end that is connected to the cylindrical cam; and a control unit that is configured to connect with the motor and a user device, characterized in that, the control unit is configured to: receive an input from the user device, wherein the input from the user device comprises at least one position of the valve of the device; control the valve of the device to the at least one position based on the input by analyzing the input by the control unit and activate the motor in any of a first direction or a second direction to move the third gear which in turn (i) rotates the cylindrical cam which in turn moves the firstend of the cam follower up and the second end of the cam follower down to enable the cam follower to push the shaft down to a pre-determined point, and (ii) enables the third gear protrusions to contact with protrusions of the second gear to rotate the second gear, which in turn rotates the first gear; and activate the motor in any of the second direction or the first direction to disengage the protrusions of the second gear and the third gear, and enable the third gear, the cylindrical cam and the cam follower to move to their respective resting position.

2. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the second gear and the third gear are disengaged to control the valve of the device manually without loads of the motor or the gear box.

3. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the system comprises a potentiometer that is connected to a gear that is meshed with the first gear to determine an angle of the shaft of the valve of the device.

4. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the motor rotates the third gear in reverse direction to disengage the protrusions of the second gear and the third gear, wherein the system comprises a magnetic portion on the third gear which is configured to determine the resting position.

5. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the system comprises a sensor that is arranged at any position near the magnetic portion to detect the resting position, wherein the resting position is detected by at least any one of a light, an infra-red, magnet or contact mechanisms.

6. The system as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the valve of the device is controlled by the input from the user device, wherein the input comprises any one of a switch-off position, a switch-on position, a high flow position, a low flow position, or any angle position, wherein the valve is placed inside or outside the device.

7. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the system comprises a gas sensor and a temperature sensor that are connected to the control unit, wherein the gas sensor detects gas leakage in the device and the temperature sensor detects flame blowouts in the device by measuring the temperature around the device in real-time.

8. The system as claimed in claim 7, wherein the gas sensor detects a gas leakage value and enables the control unit to (a) compare the detected gas leakage value with a pre-determined threshold gas leakage value, and (b) activate the motor to switch the valve of the device to any position, when the detected gas leakage valve is any of above or below the pre-determined threshold gas leakage value, wherein the temperature sensor detects a temperature value and enables the control unit to (a) compare the detected temperature value with a pre-determined threshold temperature value, and (b) activate the motor to switch the valve of the device to any position, when the detected temperature valve is any of above or below the pre-determined threshold temperature value.

9. The system as claimed in claiml, wherein the system enables the control unit to control one or more turn valves by appropriately choosing gear ration between the first gear and the second gear.

10. A method for automatically controlling a valve of a device, wherein the method comprises, receiving an input from a user device, wherein the input from the user device comprises at least one position of the valve of the device; controlling the valve of the device to at least one position by analyzing the input by a control unit and activate a motor in any of a first direction or a second direction to move a third gear which in turn (i) rotates the cylindrical cam which in turn moves a first end of a cam follower up and a second end of the cam follower down to enable the cam follower to push a shaft down to a pre-determined point, and (ii) enable third gear protrusions to contact with second gear protrusions to rotate the second gear, which in turn rotates a first gear; and activating the motor in any of the second direction or the first direction to disengage the protrusions of the second gear and the third gear, and enabling the third gear, the cylindrical cam and the cam follower to move to their respective resting position.

Citation Information

Patent Citations

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