Actuator Sensor for Valve Installation Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Fire suppression systems with pressurized containers face challenges in ensuring that the actuator is fully installed on the pressure valve, as existing sensing circuits only detect the presence or absence of the container, not the actuator's proper installation, leading to potential undetected issues with system readiness.
Innovation Solution
A mechanical sensor system is integrated into the actuator, featuring an actuation disk and location disk with a pressure-sensitive film device, which detects when the actuator is fully installed on the valve through axial movement and pressure contact, providing a visual and audible indication of proper installation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If an electrical conductor and alarm are externally attached to detect container presence, then the sensing circuit can detect the presence or absence of the container, but it cannot detect whether the actuator is fully installed on the valve
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor assembly is nested within the actuator housing, with the actuation disk and location disk positioned inside a bore defined in the nose piece. This nested configuration allows the sensor to be integrated into the actuator structure while maintaining its detection function, enabling detection of the valve's engagement status without adding external components that would compromise the detection precision.
Solution Approach 2:
A mechanical sensor assembly acts as an intermediary between the actuator and the control system. The sensor includes an actuation disk that contacts the valve and a location disk that moves axially within a bore, translating the physical engagement status into a detectable signal. This intermediary mechanism bridges the gap between the physical installation state and the electrical detection system, providing accurate information about whether the actuator is fully installed on the valve.
2Reliability
If pressurized containers are removed, tested, and reinstalled regularly, then the system maintains safety through pressure testing, but undetected improper installation of containers or actuators becomes a major problem
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor assembly automatically detects and reports the installation status of the actuator on the valve without requiring external verification procedures. The actuation disk contacts the valve directly, and the sensor provides continuous monitoring of the engagement status, enabling the system to self-verify proper installation. This eliminates the need for complex manual checking procedures while maintaining high reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor provides feedback to the control system about the engagement status of the valve. When the actuator is fully installed, the actuation disk contacts the valve and moves the location disk, generating a detectable signal that confirms proper installation. This feedback mechanism ensures that the system is aware of the installation status, allowing for immediate detection and correction of improper installations, thereby maintaining system safety without adding significant complexity.
3Measurement precision
If a mechanical sensor with actuation disk and location disk is used, then the actuator's full installation on the valve can be detected, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor assembly merges multiple functions into a single integrated unit. The actuation disk, location disk, and sensor elements are combined within a compact housing that fits within the actuator's nose piece. This merging reduces the overall complexity compared to having separate external sensors and verification systems, while maintaining high detection accuracy for the actuator's installation status.
Solution Approach 2:
The actuation disk serves multiple functions: it contacts the valve to detect engagement, transfers mechanical movement to indicate installation status, and works in conjunction with the location disk to provide a detectable signal. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional components, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining precise measurement of the installation status.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Ensures that the actuator is correctly installed on the valve, enhancing system reliability by providing a clear indication of proper engagement, thus meeting the National Fire Protection Association's supervision requirements for electric actuators.
Implementation Method 1
A sensor is axially interposed between the actuation disk and location disk. When the actuator is installed on a valve, a portion of the valve contacts the actuation disk and moves the actuation disk back against the center to indicate that the actuator is fully installed on the valve.
Data Source
AI summary
There is disclosed a mechanism for detecting that a valve coupled to a pressurized container is fully installed into a nose piece of an actuator for actuating the valve.