Electro-Hydraulic Actuator Logic Circuit for Multi-Mode Valve Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electro-hydraulic valve actuator systems lack standardized control circuitry that can seamlessly adapt to various configurations, such as spring return and double-acting configurations, and require complex wiring modifications, making field modifications difficult and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A control circuitry system with input channels for operational commands, user-selectable inputs, motor outputs, and physical logic gates that determine the state of motor and valve outputs, including a mode selector for local or remote signal control, and adjustable delay paths using a variable resistor, allowing for standardized operation across different configurations without complex wiring changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If existing electro-hydraulic valve actuator systems use non-standardized control circuitry for different configurations, then each configuration requires custom wiring and control logic, but this increases device complexity and makes field modifications difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The control circuitry is designed as a universal system that can accommodate multiple valve actuator configurations (spring return, double-acting, fail-safe, etc.) through a single standardized interface. The system uses common anode/cathode configurations and standardized logic gate connections to control different actuator types without requiring custom wiring for each configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates user-selectable inputs that allow dynamic reconfiguration of the control logic to match the specific valve actuator configuration. By selecting appropriate logic gate connections and input assignments, the same physical circuitry can adapt its behavior to control different actuator types, eliminating the need for static, configuration-specific wiring.
2Adaptability or versatility
If field modifications are made to adapt control circuitry to different configurations, then the system can be customized for specific needs, but this increases the difficulty of repair and modification
Solution Approach 1:
The control circuitry is divided into discrete, modular components including separate logic gates (AND, OR, NOT, NAND, NOR, XOR), individual input channels, and distinct output stages. This segmentation allows field personnel to modify or replace specific logic elements without affecting the entire control system, simplifying repair and reconfiguration.
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces user-selectable input channels as intermediaries between the operational commands and the logic gate network. These selectable inputs act as configurable interfaces that can be adjusted to match different valve actuator configurations without requiring changes to the core control logic or wiring infrastructure.
3Ease of operation
If a standardized control circuitry system is implemented, then field modifications become easier and operational flexibility increases, but the system must accommodate multiple configurations which may increase initial device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple logic functions and configuration options are merged into a single integrated control circuitry package. The system combines various logic gates, input channels, and output stages into one unified device that can control different valve actuator configurations, reducing the need for separate control systems for each configuration type.
Solution Approach 2:
The standardized control circuitry uses replicated logic gate structures and modular input/output channels that can be configured through software or hardware switches rather than physical rewiring. This copying approach allows the same logical functions to be instantiated multiple times with different parameter settings, simplifying field modifications.
Data Source
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AI summary
Universal control circuitry (500) for an electro-hydraulic valve actuator system (105, 105', 105'') includes logic gate circuitry to control one or more of a closing solenoid valve (6), an opening solenoid valve (5), an emergency shutdown solenoid valve (17), and a hydraulic fluid pump (3) motor (2) to route hydraulic fluid through a hydraulic circuit to actuate a valve via a hydraulic actuator (100) according to received commands. The universal control circuitry (500) is configured to control operation for multiple different configurations of a hydraulic valve actuator system including double-acting configurations (105', 105''), single-acting spring-to-open configurations (105), and single-acting spring-to-close configurations (105), each with or without an emergency shutdown arrangement (which may be configured to trip based on an external shutdown input alone or in combination with a local system power failure), a hydraulic accumulator (40), and maintained or momentary input commands.