Double-Seat Valve Position Sensing with a Shared Sensor
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing double-seat valves require complex and costly arrangements for non-contact measurement of the positions of multiple closing elements, often necessitating multiple sensors and additional wiring, which complicates automation and increases design complexity.
Innovation Solution
A double-seat valve design that uses a manipulator to interact with a sensor object, altering its properties, allowing the position of the second closing element to be determined without a separate sensor, utilizing magnetic or optical methods to detect these changes via a single sensor device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple sensors are used to measure the positions of both closing elements, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the measurement of both closing elements into a single sensor arrangement. The sensor device measures the position of the first closing element directly, and through a manipulator that responds to the position of the second closing element, it indirectly measures the position of the second closing element using the same sensor. This merging approach eliminates the need for separate sensors for each closing element, thereby reducing device complexity and cost while maintaining measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The single sensor device is designed to perform multiple functions: it directly measures the position of the first closing element and indirectly measures the position of the second closing element through the manipulator mechanism. This multi-functionality allows one sensor to replace what would traditionally require two separate sensors, simplifying the overall system architecture.
2Device complexity
If a single sensor is used to measure both closing elements, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The manipulator serves as an intermediary mechanism between the second closing element and the sensor. When the second closing element moves, it actuates the manipulator, which in turn modifies the sensor's measurement of the first closing element's position. This intermediary mechanism allows the single sensor to capture information about both closing elements' positions with high precision, as the manipulator translates the second element's position into a measurable change by the sensor.
3Reliability
If multiple sensors and wiring are used, then measurement reliability is improved, but ease of manufacture and installation worsen
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the measurement function for both closing elements into a single sensor arrangement, the patent significantly reduces the number of wiring connections and assembly steps required. The single sensor device with its integrated manipulator mechanism eliminates the need for parallel wiring harnesses and multiple sensor mounting operations, thereby improving ease of manufacture and installation while maintaining measurement reliability through the robust single-point measurement architecture.
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 approach simplifies the measurement process, reduces costs by eliminating the need for additional sensors, and enhances reliability and robustness by using fewer components, while enabling efficient automation and integration into process plants.
Implementation Method 1
utilizing magnetic or optical methods to detect these changes
Implementation Method 2
utilizing magnetic or optical methods to detect these changes
Implementation Method 3
A double-seat valve design that uses a manipulator to interact with a sensor object, altering its properties
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3a~3e
AI summary
The invention relates to a double seat valve comprising a first closure element which can be brought into sealing contact with a first valve seat, a second closure element which can be brought into sealing contact with a second valve seat, a sensor object coupled to the first closure element, and a sensor device which interacts with the sensor object and comprises a sensor and an electronic evaluation unit. A manipulator designed to interact with the sensor object interacts with the second closure element, and the sensor device is designed for verification of the interaction of the manipulator with the sensor object.