Calibrated Flow Rate Sensing for Low-Loss Fire Valves
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing flow rate sensors and check valves are limited in sensitivity, especially at low flow rates, and often require complex mechanisms that cause pressure loss and mechanical issues, making them unsuitable for fire suppression systems and other applications.
Innovation Solution
A flow rate sensor and valve design featuring a rotatable shaft, obturation body, and sensing arm with a non-contact sensor system, allowing for precise detection of fluid flow rates through translational and rotational motion, and a calibrated mechanism to distinguish between leaks and fire conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If paddle flow switches are used to detect flow rates, then flow detection capability is provided, but pressure loss increases and the system cannot withstand large flow rates or high pressure flows
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical paddle flow switch with a magnetic field-based sensor system. A magnet is mounted on the obturation body, and a magnetic sensor on the housing detects changes in the magnetic field as the obturation body moves, eliminating the need for mechanical paddles that cause pressure loss while maintaining flow detection capability.
2Reliability
If mechanical flow switches with paddles are used, then flow indication is provided, but the system becomes delicate and requires draining for maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic sensor system eliminates delicate mechanical paddles and micro switches that require draining for maintenance. The magnetic field detection occurs through the housing wall, allowing the sensor to be accessible from the exterior while the obturation body moves freely within the flow path without mechanical connections to external components.
3Reliability
If swing clapper-type check valves are used, then flow control is provided, but the valve element has limited range of motion and requires complex alignment mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a magnet as an intermediary between the obturation body and the sensing system. This allows the obturation body to move freely with a wide range of motion without requiring precise alignment mechanisms, as the magnetic field detection can sense position changes regardless of the specific orientation or path of movement.
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
Enhances sensitivity and accuracy in detecting fluid flow rates, eliminating the need for separate flow switches and reducing pressure loss, while enabling reliable fire suppression system operation without draining the entire network for maintenance.
Implementation Method 1
A magnetic sensor mounted on the housing senses changes in a magnetic field caused by rotation of the magnet
Implementation Method 2
A magnetic sensor mounted on the housing senses changes in a magnetic field
Data Source
AI summary
A fluid flow rate sensor, which may also be the basis of a valve for a fire suppression system, uses a sensing arm to convey motion of an obturation body or a valve closing member to a sensor system which evaluates the motion and generates a calibrated measure of the flow rate and/or an alarm signal in response if warranted. The obturation body and the valve closing member are capable of both rotation and translational motion, both of which are sensed using the sensing arm. The sensor system is isolated from the fluid within the valve.