Compact Ultrasonic Valve Assembly Without Flow Sensor Conduit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing building management systems (BMS) and HVAC systems require a conduit between the valve and flow sensor, increasing the overall size and number of parts, which is costly and difficult to install, and also depend on a specific distance between acoustic reflectors for accurate flow measurements, complicating installation and increasing costs.
Innovation Solution
A system that eliminates the need for a conduit between the valve and flow sensor by using a reduced length ultrasonic flow sensor assembly with a controller that applies filters to raw flow rate measurements, adjusting the filter parameters in response to changes in the actuation of the valve, and positions ultrasonic transducers to minimize the distance between them while maintaining accurate signal-to-noise ratios.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a conduit is installed between the valve and flow sensor, then accurate flow measurements can be obtained, but the overall size and number of parts increase, making installation more complex and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the flow sensor assembly directly with the valve body, eliminating the need for a separate conduit. The sensor housing is merged with the valve structure, allowing flow measurements to be taken directly at the valve outlet without requiring additional installation components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent removes the conduit component from the traditional flow measurement system. By extracting this unnecessary intermediate element and implementing direct sensing at the valve, the system achieves accurate measurements while reducing assembly complexity and installation requirements.
2Measurement precision
If acoustic reflectors are positioned at a specific distance to ensure accurate flow measurements, then measurement precision is maintained, but the sensor assembly length increases, affecting cost and installation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the geometric parameters of the ultrasonic path by positioning transducers at specific angles (e.g., 45 degrees) relative to the flow direction. This angular positioning allows the ultrasonic waves to traverse the flow path effectively while maintaining a compact sensor assembly length, achieving accurate measurements without requiring excessive distance between acoustic reflectors.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of relying solely on increasing the distance between acoustic reflectors along the flow direction, the patent introduces angular positioning as an additional dimension. By orienting transducers at specific angles, the system achieves effective flow measurement paths within a compact linear footprint, reducing the overall sensor assembly length.
3Device complexity
If the distance between ultrasonic transducers is minimized for cost and handling benefits, then device complexity and installation difficulty decrease, but signal-to-noise ratio may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic filter adjustment that adapts to different operating conditions. The filter parameters are automatically modified based on the measured flow rate and signal characteristics, allowing the system to maintain high signal-to-noise ratio even with minimized transducer spacing. This dynamic adaptation compensates for the reduced physical distance between transducers.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs feedback mechanisms where the controller continuously monitors the ultrasonic signal quality and adjusts filter parameters accordingly. This feedback loop ensures that even with compact transducer spacing, the system maintains optimal signal-to-noise ratio by real-time parameter optimization based on actual measurement conditions.
4Reliability
If filter parameters are dynamically adjusted in response to actuator stoppage, then measurement reliability is improved, but processing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service through automatic detection and response mechanisms. The controller autonomously detects actuator stoppage conditions and automatically adjusts filter parameters without requiring external intervention or complex control algorithms. This self-adjusting capability improves measurement reliability while keeping the control processing relatively simple through rule-based automatic responses.
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
This solution reduces the size and complexity of the valve assembly, lowers installation costs, and maintains accurate flow measurements without the need for a conduit or specific distance between acoustic reflectors, enhancing cost savings and handling efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
The processing circuit is configured to operate the first ultrasonic transducer to emit an ultrasonic signal along a flow path of the fluid in the conduit
Implementation Method 2
The flow sensor assembly typically includes one or more transducers with acoustic reflectors
Data Source
AI summary
A system for controlling a flow rate of a fluid through a valve includes a controller. The controller is configured to receive a raw flow rate measurement from a flow rate sensor assembly configured to measure the flow rate. The controller is further configured to apply a flow rate measurement filter to the raw flow rate measurement to generate a filtered flow rate measurement. The controller is further configured to control actuation of an actuator configured to change the flow rate using the filtered flow rate measurement. The controller is configured to automatically adjust the flow rate measurement filter in response to detecting an event that causes stoppage of the actuation of the actuator.