Capacitive Valve Flow Regulator with Piezo Actuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid flow regulator devices lack accuracy in regulating fluid flow due to influences from varying fluid properties, such as moisture content, and have limitations in compact geometrical arrangements.
Innovation Solution
A fluid flow regulator device with a movable valve member and seat, incorporating sensor means for capacitance measurement and reference sensor means to correct for fluid flow conditions, utilizing an actuator element like a Piezo element for precise control, and control means to adjust the valve position based on capacitance signals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If sensor means are added to measure capacitance for fluid flow regulation, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the valve member and capacitor plate into a single integrated component, and the valve seat with the other capacitor plate into another integrated component. This merging reduces the number of separate parts and simplifies the overall device structure while maintaining the capacitance measurement function for fluid flow regulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve member serves dual functions: it acts as both the flow control element and one plate of the capacitor for measurement. Similarly, the valve seat structure incorporates the other capacitor plate. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate measurement components, reducing device complexity while improving measurement precision.
2Reliability
If reference sensor means are added to correct for fluid flow conditions, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The reference sensor means is integrated into the existing valve structure, utilizing the same capacitor technology already present in the device. This approach avoids adding completely separate reference sensing components and minimizes the increase in device complexity while improving reliability through correction of fluid property variations.
3Volume of moving object
If compact geometrical arrangement is achieved, then device volume is reduced, but ease of manufacture worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into distinct functional modules: the valve member with integrated capacitor plate, the valve seat with integrated capacitor plate, and the actuator element. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured separately using standard techniques, then assembled into a compact configuration, thereby maintaining ease of manufacture while achieving reduced volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The capacitor plates are nested within the valve structure itself, with the valve member forming one plate and the valve seat forming the other. This nesting eliminates the need for external capacitor housings and allows the measurement function to be embedded within the existing compact valve geometry, achieving space efficiency without complicating manufacturing.
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
The device achieves highly accurate fluid flow regulation by compensating for fluid property variations and maintaining a desired fluid flow surface area, ensuring precise control and compact design.
Implementation Method 1
sensor means for measuring a capacitance between the valve member and the valve seat, the capacitance being a measure of the distance between the valve member and the valve seat and a measure of the fluid flow surface area
Implementation Method 2
utilizing an actuator element like a Piezo element for precise control
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4A~4E
Figure 5A~5B
AI summary
The invention relates to a fluid flow regulator device, comprising a valve member and a valve seat arranged to be movable with respect to each other such that a fluid flow surface area defined by the valve member and the valve seat can be changed. Furthermore, sensor means are provided for measuring a capacitance related to at least a measure of the fluid flow surface area. According to the invention, the sensor means are arranged such that the capacitance measured is inversely proportional to the distance between the valve member and the valve seat. In an embodiment, a reference capacitance relating to fluid flow conditions is measured.