Flow Control System Using Electromagnetic Valve Drive

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional flow controllers face high power loss and reduced measurement accuracy due to high power requirements and heat radiation from transistors, leading to decreased service life and precision.

Innovation Solution

A new flow control system utilizing a microcontroller, FETs, transformers, and rectification circuits, with PWM signals to control mechanical valves, eliminating the need for high-power transistors and D/A modules, and incorporating a switching regulator for efficient power management.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Power

If conventional transistors are used in the valve control circuit, then the mechanical valve can be controlled, but high power loss and heat radiation occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower consumptionVSAvoidpower loss

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the conventional transistor-based electrical control system with an electromagnetic drive system consisting of a transformer and drive coil. The microcontroller generates drive signals that are transformed and amplified electromagnetically to actuate the mechanical valve, eliminating the need for high-power transistors and reducing power loss in the control circuit.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an electromagnetic intermediary system (transformer and drive coil) between the microcontroller and the mechanical valve. This intermediary converts low-power digital control signals into appropriate electromagnetic actuation signals, enabling efficient power transmission while maintaining precise control and reducing heat generation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Power

If high power transistors are used to control the valve, then the valve can be actuated, but measurement accuracy decreases due to heat radiation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrol powerVSAvoidmeasurement accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the transistor-based electrical control with an electromagnetic drive system using a transformer and drive coil. This substitution eliminates the heat-generating transistors from the control circuit, reducing thermal interference with the flow sensor and maintaining high measurement accuracy while still providing sufficient power to actuate the mechanical valve.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Ease of operation

If conventional valve control circuits with D/A modules and transistors are used, then the mechanical valve can be controlled, but service life is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevalve controlVSAvoidservice life

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the conventional transistor and D/A module control circuitry with a microcontroller-based electromagnetic drive system. This new system eliminates the high-power transistors that generate heat and degrade over time, thereby extending the service life of the flow control device while maintaining full valve control functionality through the transformer-coupled drive coil.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 power consumption and heat loss, enhancing control precision, stability, and service life while maintaining high measurement accuracy.

Implementation Method 1

a valve control circuit transformer and a valve control rectification circuit; the AC input terminal of the valve control circuit is connected with the valve control circuit transformer; the primary coil of the valve control circuit transformer is connected with the valve control circuit FET, and the secondary coil of the valve control circuit transformer is connected to a mechanical valve

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

a valve control rectification circuit; the secondary coil of the valve control circuit transformer is connected to a mechanical valve through the valve control rectification circuit

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRectification: Diode

Data Source

PatentUS8929104B2Flow control system

Publication Date: 2015.01.06 BEIJING SEVENSTAR ELECTRONICS CO LTD

AI summary

The present invention provides a new type flow control system comprising a valve control circuit and a power source circuit. Two terminals of the primary coil of the power source circuit transformer are respectively connected with two power source circuit FETs, the secondary coil of the power source circuit transformer is connected to the voltage output terminal of the power source circuit through a power source rectification circuit. The gates of the power source circuit FETs are connected with a switching regulator. The AC input terminal of the valve control circuit is connected with a valve control circuit transformer. The primary coil of the valve control circuit transformer is connected with a valve control circuit FET, the secondary coil of the transformer is connected to a mechanical valve through a valve control rectification circuit. A microcontroller outputs PWM signals to the gate of the valve control circuit FET.