Distributed Valve Control to Reduce Wiring Bulk in Fluid Machines
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Solution Overview
Problem
The complexity and bulk of wiring in fluid working machines, particularly in high-temperature environments and under mechanical stress, pose challenges for efficient operation and maintenance, as existing systems require extensive wiring for active control of valves, leading to increased weight, space requirements, and technical difficulties in wiring looms.
Innovation Solution
Integration of an electronic actuator controller within each valve unit, which includes a processor and memory to receive commands and control solenoid actuators directly, reducing the need for extensive wiring by local processing of valve control sequences and using optical or power line communication for command transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If extensive wiring is used for active control of valves, then precise control over valve operations is achieved, but wiring complexity and bulk increase
Solution Approach 1:
The control system is segmented by integrating an electronic actuator controller within each valve unit. This distributes the control functionality across multiple independent units, each capable of local processing, thereby reducing the need for extensive centralized wiring while maintaining precise control capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
An optical communication link serves as an intermediary between the machine controller and valve units. This optical intermediary transmits control commands and status information without requiring extensive electrical wiring, reducing wiring complexity while preserving control precision.
2Ease of operation
If extensive wiring is used for active control of valves, then control functionality is maintained, but weight and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the control system into distributed valve units with integrated controllers, the patent eliminates the need for heavy centralized wiring infrastructure. Each valve unit operates semi-independently, reducing overall wiring weight while maintaining full control functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces extensive electrical wiring with optical communication links. This substitution reduces the mechanical bulk and weight of the wiring system while preserving the ability to transmit control signals and data between the machine controller and valve units.
3Ease of operation
If extensive wiring is used for active control of valves, then valve control sequences are maintained, but technical difficulties in wiring looms increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the control architecture into modular valve units, each with its own controller. This segmentation simplifies manufacturing by allowing valve units to be assembled and tested independently, then integrated into the system without complex wiring loom assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
Optical communication links serve as intermediaries that simplify the physical connection between valve units and the machine controller. This intermediary approach eliminates the need for complex electrical wiring looms, making the system easier to manufacture and assemble.
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 simplifies the wiring and reduces bulk, enhancing operational efficiency and reliability in high-temperature, high-stress environments by decentralizing control within each valve unit, thereby reducing weight and complexity while maintaining precise control over valve operations.
Implementation Method 1
A solenoid may for example act on an armature which is coupled to the valve member
Data Source
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AI summary
A valve unit for a fluid working machine comprise a valve having a valve member (and optionally a valve seat), a valve actuator coupled to the valve member, and an electronic actuator controller which is integral to the valve unit and configured to actively control the valve actuator to thereby control the valve member.