Gas Cylinder Valve Position Sensing for Remaining Time Display
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Solution Overview
Problem
Operators face challenges in accurately determining the rate of gas delivery and calculating the time remaining before exhaustion of a gas cylinder without interpreting pressure readings, leading to potential errors in gas delivery, especially for inexperienced operators.
Innovation Solution
A flow apparatus with a valve position monitoring system using sensors to detect the position of valve members, processing this data to calculate flow rates and display the remaining time, incorporating a processor and display for visual feedback, and incorporating power-saving features like a 'sleep mode' to reduce energy consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If operators manually interpret pressure readings on Bourdon gauges to determine gas delivery rate and time remaining, then the system requires no additional sensors or electronics, but the measurement precision and reliability are insufficient especially for inexperienced operators
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical Bourdon gauge interpretation method with electronic sensors and processors. Specifically, magnetic sensors detect the position of valve members, and a processor calculates flow rate and time remaining based on these positions, eliminating the need for manual gauge interpretation and significantly improving measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces magnetic fields as an intermediary between the valve mechanism and the detection system. Magnets are attached to moving valve parts, and magnetic sensors detect their positions without mechanical contact, enabling precise measurement of valve position and derived flow parameters.
2Reliability
If magnetic sensors and processors are added to monitor valve position and calculate flow rates, then measurement precision and operator safety improve, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements sleep mode where the system periodically monitors valve position rather than continuously. The processor and sensors can enter low-power states between measurements, activating only when valve position changes are detected or at scheduled intervals, thereby maintaining reliability while reducing overall power consumption.
3Measurement precision
If multiple sensors are used to detect valve position accurately, then measurement precision improves, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a single magnetic sensor to perform multiple detection functions by tracking different magnets attached to various valve components. The same sensor detects positions of both the main valve member and the flow control member at different angles, eliminating the need for multiple sensors and simplifying manufacturing while maintaining measurement precision.
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
Enables accurate determination of gas delivery rates and remaining time without operator interpretation of pressure gauges, reducing errors and power consumption, while ensuring safe and efficient operation of gas cylinders.
Implementation Method 1
which employs a magnetic sensor for detecting a magnetic field emitted by a member
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention provides a flow apparatus (10) having a flow control valve (12) having a housing (14), an aperture (16), an aperture obturator (18) and an actuator (20) for moving said obturator (16) between a first closed position and multiple open positions (B-L), characterised by a valve position monitor (21) for monitoring the position of the valve (12) and comprising a plurality of discrete sensors (28a to 28e) associated with a plurality of open positions (B-L) of said valve for monitoring the presence or absence of one or more members (26) movable with said valve (12). The arrangement may be used to' monitor the valve position and such monitoring may be of use in the prediction of the amount of fluid remaining within a cylinder (32) to which it has bee attached.