Digital Throttle Valve Control for Precise Ventilation Airflow

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing air conditioning systems lack precise control over throttle valves due to limitations in analog signal transmission, leading to imprecise adjustment of volume flow, which is inadequate for applications requiring high precision like laboratories and clean rooms.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a digital control system with a processor-connected control unit and drive, using digitally communicating interfaces for precise digital control of the drive, eliminating the need for A/D and D/A converters and reducing interference, allowing for precise positioning of the throttle valve.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If an analog control system with voltage signals is used to control the drive, then the system structure is simpler, but the positioning precision of the throttle valve is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvethrottle valve positioning precisionVSAvoidcontrol system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the analog voltage-based control system with a digital communication-based control system. The processor in the drive receives digital control signals from the control unit through a digitally communicating interface, substituting the mechanical/analog signal transmission with digital data transmission. This enables precise positioning of the throttle valve (accuracy of at least 0.1°) while maintaining system simplicity through standardized digital communication protocols.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If analog voltage signals are transmitted for control, then the transmission path is simpler, but the control precision and reliability are reduced due to interference and signal loss

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol signal transmission reliabilityVSAvoiddigital communication interface complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent substitutes analog voltage signal transmission with digital communication transmission. The processor in the drive and the control unit are connected via a digitally communicating interface that transmits digital control signals and data. This digital transmission method is inherently more resistant to interference and signal degradation, ensuring reliable control signal transmission over the complete transmission path without the susceptibility to electromagnetic interference that plagues analog systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Manufacturing precision

If analog control is used, then the system is easier to implement, but the throttle flap cannot be positioned with sufficient precision for dense building envelopes and rooms

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvethrottle flap positioning accuracyVSAvoidsystem implementation ease
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the analog control mechanism with a digital control system where the processor in the drive receives digital control signals from the control unit. This digital substitution enables precise positioning of the throttle flap with an accuracy of at least 0.1°, meeting the requirements for dense building envelopes and rooms. The system maintains ease of operation through standardized digital communication protocols and integrated processor control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Measurement precision

If digital control with processor interfaces is implemented, then the positioning precision improves to at least 0.1°, but the device complexity increases due to additional digital interfaces

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedrive position measurement precisionVSAvoiddigital interface complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements digital control where the processor in the drive communicates with the control unit through a digitally communicating interface. This substitution of analog control with digital processing enables precise measurement and control of the drive position with an accuracy of at least 0.1°. The complexity is managed through the use of standardized digital communication protocols and integrated processor architecture that combines control and measurement functions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentEP3163399B1System for controlling and/or regulating a volume flow flowing in a flow channel of a ventilation system, preferably a ventilation laboratory or clean room system
Publication Date: 2018.11.28 TROX GMBH
  • EP3163399B1 patent drawingFigure 1

AI summary

The invention relates to a system for controlling and/or regulating a volume flow flowing in a flow duct (3) of an air conditioning system, preferably an air conditioning laboratory or clean room system, by adjusting a throttle valve (4) arranged in the flow duct (3), the The system has at least one electronic control unit and/or at least one electronic controller, in particular an electronic volume flow controller (1), and at least one drive (2) connected to at least one control unit and/or to at least one controller via a line connection (12), through which the orientation of the throttle valve (4) arranged in the flow channel (3) can be changed. In order to specify a system that enables finer control of the drive (2) and thus more precise adjustment of a throttle valve (4) that can be actuated by the relevant drive (2), at least one control unit and/or at least one regulator, which is connected to at least one drive (2) is connected, a processor with a digitally communicating output and/or input interface can be assigned and this drive connected to the control unit and/or the controller (2) a processor with a digitally communicating input and/or output interface and the digitally communicating output and/or input interface of the processor of the control unit and/or the controller and the digitally communicating input and/or output interface of the processor of at least one drive connected to the control unit or to the controller (2) should be used for digital control of this drive (2) over the entire transmission path be digitally coupled to each other.