Electric Valve Backup Power for Automatic Shutdown
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electric valves fail to automatically close when power is interrupted, leading to continuous operation of water piping systems.
Innovation Solution
An electric valve with a mechanical valve body, motor, valve switch state detection apparatus, control line, and control circuit, including a backup power supply that allows the motor to close the valve automatically when power is shut down, utilizing a drive module and power supply module connected through a control circuit with a backup power source, such as a capacitor or battery, and limit switches for state detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional electric valve without backup power supply is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability deteriorates because the valve cannot close automatically when power is interrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The backup power supply (capacitor or battery) is pre-charged during normal operation when power is available. When power is interrupted, the pre-stored energy in the backup power supply immediately activates to drive the motor for automatic valve closing, eliminating the need for complex real-time power management decisions
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a capacitor as the backup power supply, which is a simple, inexpensive component with sufficient energy storage for the critical function of closing the valve. The capacitor charges quickly during normal operation and discharges briefly during power failure, providing reliable automatic closing without requiring expensive or complex backup power systems
2Reliability
If a backup power supply is added to enable automatic closing during power shutdown, then the reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional components and control circuits
Solution Approach 1:
The control circuit automatically detects power failure conditions and triggers the backup power supply to activate the motor for valve closing. The system serves itself by monitoring its own power status and autonomously initiating the closing sequence without external intervention, simplifying the control logic while maintaining reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The control circuit integrates multiple functions: it monitors power supply status, controls the motor during normal operation, and automatically switches to backup power mode when needed. By combining these functions into a single integrated control unit, the patent reduces overall system complexity despite adding backup power capabilities
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
Ensures the electric valve can automatically close during power shutdown, preventing continuous operation of water piping systems and enhancing reliability in water-related appliances.
Implementation Method 1
a DC voltage is supplied to the DC motor to enable the DC motor to rotate and drive the mechanical valve to open
Implementation Method 2
the backup power supply can provide an operation power for the drive module and the motor of the electric valve
Data Source
AI summary
An electric valve and a control method therefor are disclosed. The electric valve comprises a mechanical valve body, a motor (1), a valve switch state detection apparatus, a control line (9) and a control circuit (80). The motor and the mechanical valve body are in transmission connection; the control line is electrically connected to the control circuit; the control circuit comprises a drive module (2) and a power supply module (5); and the motor, the valve switch state detection apparatus and the power supply module are respectively connected to the drive module. The control circuit further comprises a backup power supply (90) electrically connected thereto. Besides a power supply module which supplies power from the outside, the electric valve is additionally provided with a backup power supply; and after the power supply module has powered down, the backup power supply, in combination with a control circuit, can provide an operation power for the drive module and motor of the electric valve, thus automatically controlling the closing of the mechanical valve body.