Fluid Control Device Visual Position Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid control devices require complex configurations and additional parts to visually indicate opening and closing states, increasing costs and complexity.
Innovation Solution
A fluid control device with a casing opened upward, exposing the piston's upper end portion to allow visual recognition of its position, eliminating the need for additional indicating members by using a piston driving unit that applies driving gas or an elastic member to move the valve rod, and incorporating a driving gas introducing portion on the piston for simplified configuration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If additional indicating members are added to visually show opening and closing states, then visual recognition capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The piston itself serves as the indicating member by exposing its upper end portion from the casing opening to visually indicate the opening state, eliminating the need for separate indicating components. The piston's own movement and position provide the visual information needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The piston performs dual functions: it acts as both the actuating component for opening/closing the valve and simultaneously serves as a visual indicator of the valve's state. This multi-functionality reduces the total number of components required.
2Loss of information
If additional indicating members are added to visually show opening and closing states, then visual recognition capability is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The piston's own structure is utilized for indication purposes, eliminating the need to manufacture and install separate indicating components. This reduces manufacturing steps and associated costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The indication function is merged with the existing piston structure rather than being implemented as a separate component. The upper end portion of the piston that already exists is simply exposed to provide visual indication, combining multiple functions in a single component.
3Loss of information
If the casing is opened upward to expose the piston, then visual recognition is improved, but protection of internal components deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The casing structure is modified locally by opening only the upper portion to allow visual observation of the piston, while the rest of the casing maintains its enclosed structure to protect internal components. This localized modification balances observation needs with protection requirements.
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
Enables easy visual confirmation of opening and closing states without additional components, reducing complexity and cost, while enhancing control accuracy through the use of a limit switch.
Implementation Method 1
The piston driving unit moves the valve rod by applying driving gas (for example, compressed air) to the piston
Implementation Method 2
an elastic member, such as a compressed coil spring, and while the valve rod is biased by the elastic member so as to be normally located at an opening position or a closing position
Data Source
AI summary
This invention provides a fluid control device which is capable of visually recognizing its opening and closing states with a simple configuration. The casing 3 is formed so as to be opened upward. The piston 8 is disposed at an upper end portion of a valve rod 7 such that a piston upper end portion is exposed from an opening of the casing 3 when the valve rod 7 is located at the upper position.