Electronic expansion valve (EEV) controller
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electronic controllers for electronic expansion valves (EEVs) require an external power source and have inaccessible switches and connectors, making it difficult for users to toggle the valves between open and closed positions effectively.
Innovation Solution
A portable power supply and a controller with a housing that includes a motor driver PCB, power switch, directional switch, and motor connector, allowing manual control of the stepper motor without external power and providing easy access to switches and connectors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional electronic controllers are used for EEVs, then the EEV can be controlled, but an external power source is required and switches/connectors are inaccessible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the power supply, control circuitry (PCB), switches, and connectors into a single integrated controller unit that attaches directly to the EEV. This eliminates the need for external power sources and makes all control elements accessible through the unified device, resolving the contradiction between operational ease and device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller serves as an intermediary device that interfaces between the user and the EEV motor. It integrates all necessary components (power supply, switches, connectors, control circuitry) into one unit that mediates the control function, making switches accessible and eliminating external power requirements simultaneously.
2Ease of operation
If switches and connectors are placed on the PCB of conventional controllers, then the controller functions properly, but the switches and connectors are not easily accessible to users
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the controller into accessible external components (switches and connectors) and internal components (PCB and power supply). The switches and connectors are positioned on the external housing of the controller rather than embedded on the PCB, making them easily accessible to users while the PCB remains internally integrated to maintain reliability.
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic expansion valve (EEV) controller allows a user to drive the stepper motor of EEVs. Thus, the EEVs toggle between an open position or a closed position. The EEV controller includes a housing, a portable power supply, a motor driver printed circuit board (PCB), a power switch, a directional switch, and a motor connector. The housing is used to protect and hold in place the motor driver PCB, the portable power supply, the power switch, the directional switch, and the motor connector. The portable power supply is used to provide electrical energy to the motor driver PCB and to the stepper motor of EEVs through the motor connector. The power switch allows a user to manually turn on or off the EEV controller and the stepper motor. The directional switch is used to toggle the stepper motor between a clockwise rotation or a counter-clockwise rotation.