Drive System With Bipolar Signal Control And Mechanical Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing drive systems for fluid circulation valves and similar applications face high power consumption due to the need for continuous actuator operation to maintain positions, and fail to ensure safe return to a predetermined position during electrical failures without significant current consumption.
Innovation Solution
A drive system utilizing a bipolar electrical signal to control a movable member, with an electronic control circuit that activates and locks the member into a preferential position using minimal current, and releases it to a safe position via energy storage, ensuring zero current consumption during normal operation and safe return without intelligent analysis systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If continuous actuator operation is used to maintain valve positions, then position stability is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between active actuator control and passive mechanical holding. During normal operation, the actuator actively maintains position. Upon failure detection, the system transitions to a passive mechanical holding state using spring forces and mechanical linkages, eliminating continuous power consumption while maintaining position stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical holding mechanism is pre-configured and ready to engage immediately upon actuator failure. Spring-loaded mechanical linkages are designed to automatically take over position maintenance without requiring continuous actuator operation, thereby reducing power consumption while ensuring position stability is maintained during failure conditions.
2Use of energy by moving object
If mechanical blocking is used to maintain activation position without current consumption, then power consumption is reduced, but the system fails to ensure safe return during electrical failures
Solution Approach 1:
Spring-loaded mechanical linkages are designed to counterbalance and overcome the mechanical blocking forces. When failure is detected, these springs automatically generate sufficient force to disengage the mechanical block and return the valve to its safe fail-safe position, ensuring reliable fail-safe operation without continuous power consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical holding mechanism incorporates pre-loaded spring forces that are specifically designed to counteract and overcome the mechanical blocking in the event of failure. This preliminary anti-action ensures that when electrical power is lost, the system automatically and reliably returns to the safe position without requiring additional energy input.
3Stability of the object's composition
If solenoid is permanently powered to ensure locking in working position, then position stability is improved, but current consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the continuously powered solenoid locking mechanism with a mechanical linkage system incorporating springs and blockages. This mechanical system maintains position stability through physical constraints and spring forces rather than continuous electromagnetic actuation, thereby eliminating the need for permanent solenoid power while ensuring position stability.
4Device complexity
If electric actuators replace pneumatic actuators to eliminate vacuum pump, then system complexity is reduced, but ensuring fail-safe return without current consumption becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The electronic control circuit continuously monitors actuator operation and pre-prepares the fail-safe mechanism by maintaining spring-loaded mechanical linkages in a ready state. Upon detecting actuator failure, the system immediately activates the mechanical holding and return mechanism, ensuring reliable fail-safe operation. This approach maintains lower overall system complexity compared to pneumatic systems while achieving robust fail-safe functionality.
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
The system maintains stable positions with low current consumption (tens of milliamperes) and ensures safe return to a predetermined position during power failures, reducing overall energy usage and eliminating the need for continuous actuator operation.
Implementation Method 1
an energy storage means, said electronic circuit controlling, when the signal passes from a 'low' state to a 'high' state, the activation of the first actuator... said electronic circuit controlling, when the signal passes from a 'high' state to a 'low' state, or in the event of failure of said bipolar electrical signal, the activation of the second actuator by via the energy supplied by said storage means
Implementation Method 2
a return element capable of bringing the movable member into a safety position
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A
AI summary
The invention relates to a drive system for a mobile member, comprising a first actuator moving said mobile member, a return element able to bring the mobile member into a safe position, a locking means for locking the position of the mobile member in a preferred position of activation, a second actuator able to free said locking means, said system further comprising an electronic control circuit fed with a bipolar electrical signal having a high level and a low level and comprising an energy storage means, said electronic circuit commanding, when the signal passes from a "low" state to a "high" state, activation of the first actuator for a predetermined length of time to ensure that the shutoff member is moved into and locked in position in the preferred activation position, said electronic circuit commanding, when the signal drops from a "high" state to a "low" state, or in the event of failure of said bipolar electrical signal, activation of the second actuator using the energy supplied by said storage means, so as to command unlocking and allow the mobile member to return to its safe position under the action of the return element.