Fluid Pressure Circuit Control for Multi-Point Low-Pressure Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid flow circuits face challenges in dynamically controlling fluid pressure, especially on complex, three-dimensional surfaces, due to limitations in flexibility and stability, particularly in low-pressure systems with high-density fluids like inkjet printing systems.
Innovation Solution
A fluid flow circuit system that includes a centralized fluid circulation system, proportional valves in the inlet and outlet lines, pressure sensors, and a controller to dynamically control fluid pressure at multiple independent points, compensating for inertial effects and hydraulic head.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If centrally-located pumps are used for pressure regulation, then pressure control is achieved at a single-point flow impedance, but flexibility for managing pressure at multiple points is lost and stability issues arise due to distance from controlled points
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the fluid flow circuit into multiple segments, each with its own pressure control mechanism. Instead of using a single centralized pump for the entire circuit, the patent implements distributed pressure control at multiple points along the fluid path, allowing independent pressure management in different segments of the circuit.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local pressure control by placing pressure actuators close to the points where pressure control is needed, rather than using a centralized approach. This allows each location to have tailored pressure management suited to its specific requirements, improving both precision and flexibility.
2Adaptability or versatility
If numerous centrally-placed pressure actuators are used, then pressure control is achieved at multiple points, but the approach is inadequate for low-pressure systems with high-density fluids where hydraulic head cannot be neglected
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where pressure sensors continuously monitor the actual pressure at each control point and feed this information back to the controller. The controller then adjusts the pressure actuators accordingly to maintain the desired pressure setpoints, ensuring reliable performance in low-pressure systems with high-density fluids.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic pressure control that can adapt to changing system conditions in real-time. The controller continuously adjusts the pressure actuators based on feedback from pressure sensors, allowing the system to maintain stable operation despite variations in fluid density, temperature, or flow conditions.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the fluid management device is made selectively movable to adapt to complex surfaces, then versatility for printing on various surfaces is improved, but pressure control difficulty increases due to changing orientation and location relative to fluid source
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary compensation by calculating and compensating for gravitational effects on fluid pressure before the fluid management device moves to its new position. The controller predicts the pressure changes that will occur due to orientation changes and pre-adjusts the pressure actuator settings to maintain consistent fluid delivery pressure throughout the movement and printing process.
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
The system achieves high precision and low-range control of fluid pressure, providing higher bandwidth and precision compared to conventional methods, suitable for inkjet printing on flat or curved surfaces, including transportation apparatuses.
Implementation Method 1
a first proportional valve disposed in the inlet line and configured to selectively modulate an inlet fluid pressure in the inlet line between the first proportional valve and the fluid management device
Implementation Method 2
a second proportional valve disposed in the outlet line and configured to selectively modulate an outlet fluid pressure in the outlet line between the fluid management device and the second proportional valve
Implementation Method 3
a first pressure sensor between the first proportional valve and the fluid management device and configured to measure the inlet fluid pressure in the inlet line
Implementation Method 4
a second pressure sensor between the fluid management device and the second proportional valve and configured to measure the outlet fluid pressure in the outlet line
Implementation Method 5
inadequate for low-pressure systems with high-density fluids where hydraulic head cannot be neglected
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for dynamically controlling fluid pressure within a fluid flow circuit is disclosed. A fluid circulation system supplies working fluid through an inlet line and returns working fluid through an outlet line. A fluid management device is fluidically coupled to the inlet line and the outlet line. The fluid management device defines a pressure-controlled point. A first proportional valve and a first pressure sensor are disposed in the inlet line to selectively modulate and measure an inlet fluid pressure in the inlet line. A second proportional valve and a second pressure sensor are disposed in the outlet line to selectively modulate and measure an outlet fluid pressure in the outlet line. A controller is configured to maintain the inlet fluid pressure at a target inlet pressure and maintain the outlet fluid pressure at a target outlet pressure.