Electronic Valve Controller for Reconfigurable Pneumatic Motion Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pneumatic systems lack flexibility and control options, leading to limited ability to implement different technical applications, and are hindered by high costs and installation efforts.
Innovation Solution
An electronic valve controller that allows loading and execution of different applications for controlling and regulating pneumatic movement tasks, utilizing executable program code that can be generated and distributed to execution units, enabling real-time control and regulation based on internal and external measurement signals and process variables.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If preconfigured valve functions are used to simplify control, then ease of operation is improved, but adaptability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The valve control system transitions from static preconfigured functions to dynamic reconfigurable functions. The valve terminal can load different applications and reconfigure valve functions in real-time based on measurement signals and process variables, allowing the system to adapt to different technical applications while maintaining ease of operation through automated control.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters dynamically by loading different applications with specific control commands for valve arrangements. The valve terminal can modify control parameters, timing, and valve sequences based on measured process variables, enabling the same hardware to perform multiple different technical applications without physical reconfiguration.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple valve functions are preconfigured to increase versatility, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The valve terminal is designed as a universal control device that can perform multiple valve functions through software applications rather than requiring separate dedicated hardware for each function. A single valve terminal can load different applications to control different valve arrangements, achieving multi-functionality without increasing physical device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of duplicating physical valve hardware for different functions, the system uses software copies of control logic and applications. Different technical applications are implemented as executable program code that can be loaded onto the same valve terminal, providing functional duplication without physical duplication.
3Adaptability or versatility
If custom valve configurations are implemented to meet specific application requirements, then adaptability is improved, but ease of manufacture deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Different valve configurations and control logic are prepared in advance as precompiled applications. These applications can be directly loaded onto the valve terminal without requiring on-site configuration or programming, simplifying the manufacturing and deployment process while maintaining adaptability to different technical applications.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of manufacturing custom-configured valve hardware for each application, the system uses disposable or reusable software applications that can be quickly loaded and discarded. This approach is more economical than manufacturing custom hardware configurations for each specific application.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to an electronic valve controller (1) for the open-loop and closed-loop control of a valve island (VI), which comprises four or eight valve disks (VS) having pneumatic valves for performing a motion task. According to the invention, applications (A) for the open-loop and closed-loop control of the valve island (VI) can be loaded onto the electronic valve controller (1). The invention further relates to a valve assembly (VI, VS), which is controlled in an open-loop and closed-loop manner by an electronic valve controller (1), and to a corresponding method and to a system.