Flow Apparatus Valve Position Current Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing flow apparatus with electrical components faces challenges in managing power consumption, particularly in portable or remote applications, where battery life is shortened due to high power demands, leading to frequent replacements and increased maintenance.
Innovation Solution
A flow apparatus with a housing, valve seat, sealing member, and actuator, featuring an electrical switch connected to the sealing member to control current flow based on the valve's position, utilizing a hall sensor and magnet to allow or restrict current flow, optimizing power usage by adjusting current levels according to the valve's operational state.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If electrical components are continuously powered in flow apparatus, then operational functionality is maintained, but battery life is shortened and maintenance frequency increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action by using a hall sensor to detect valve position and periodically switch electrical power supply on and off. When the valve is in closed position, power is cut to electrical components; when open, power is restored. This periodic power delivery maintains necessary functionality while dramatically reducing overall power consumption and extending battery life.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by selectively controlling power supply to specific electrical components based on their operational necessity at different valve positions. Critical components receive power only when needed (e.g., during flow operation), while non-critical components remain powered down during idle/closed states, optimizing the balance between functionality and power consumption.
2Ease of operation
If electrical components are continuously powered, then system readiness is maintained, but current draw increases power consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamics by making the power supply state adaptive rather than static. The hall sensor continuously monitors valve position and dynamically adjusts power delivery accordingly. When the valve transitions between open and closed positions, the system automatically adjusts electrical component power states, ensuring readiness when needed while minimizing consumption during idle periods.
3Duration of action of moving object
If power is restricted to electrical components, then battery life is extended, but operational functionality may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs feedback through the hall sensor that detects valve position and provides this information to the power control system. This feedback loop ensures that power is restored to electrical components precisely when the valve is in the correct operational position, maintaining reliability while extending battery life through intelligent, condition-based power management.
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
This solution reduces current draw when the valve is closed, extending battery life and minimizing maintenance needs, especially in remote or prolonged use scenarios, while allowing full power when needed, thus enhancing operational efficiency and reducing maintenance costs.
Implementation Method 1
said switch comprises a hall sensor and said apparatus further includes a magnet movable with said sealing member between a first position in which it is in association with the hall sensor and indicates a first operable state of the valve and a second position in which it is not in association with the hall sensor and indicates a second operable state of the valve
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention provides a flow apparatus (10) for a vessel storing fluid under pressure having a flow control valve (12) having a housing (14) and an outlet aperture (16) and further including a valve seat (18) and a sealing member (20) for sealing against said seat (18) such as to obturate said outlet (16), said apparatus further including an actuator (22) connected to said sealing member (20) for moving it between an open position of the valve in which it unobturates the outlet aperture (16) and a closed position in which it obturates said outlet, characterised by an electrical switch (24) for controlling the supply of electrical current to one or more electrical components (25) and wherein said switch is operably connected to said sealing member (20) to allow for the passage of current when said valve (12) is in a first position and to restrict the flow of current when said valve (12) is in a second position. Such an apparatus may be used to control the flow of gas from a gas bottle and to ensure that electricity is only supplied when needed, thus prolonging battery life and reducing maintenance.