Gas Safety Electrovalve Control With Triple Switching Redundancy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing safety solenoid valves for gas appliances are prone to erroneous operation due to malfunctions in control systems, which can jeopardize the safety of the appliance and users, as they may incorrectly open or fail to close during malfunctions.
Innovation Solution
A safety device with a series arrangement of three switching means and separate control signals, where the positioning of these means is controlled by distinct signals, including a dynamic-type signal anomaly detection mechanism to ensure the solenoid valve remains closed in case of malfunctions, providing redundancy and reducing the likelihood of erroneous operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single switching means is used to control the solenoid valve, then the device complexity is low, but the reliability of safety control deteriorates due to potential malfunctions
Solution Approach 1:
The control system is segmented into three independent switching means (I1, I2, I3) that operate in parallel, each capable of independently controlling the solenoid valve. This segmentation allows the system to maintain reliability even if one switching means fails, as the other two can still perform the safety function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements beforehand cushioning by providing redundant switching means and control means before any malfunction can occur. The third switching means and third control means serve as a backup that activates when anomalies are detected in the first two control paths, ensuring continuous safe operation.
2Reliability
If redundant switching means are added to improve safety, then the reliability improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts its complexity by using three switching means instead of a fixed single or dual configuration. The dynamic-type signal processing allows the system to adapt its control strategy based on real-time conditions, optimizing the balance between reliability and complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of switching means from a single unit to three units, and changes the control signal type from static to dynamic. This parameter change enables the system to detect anomalies through signal analysis while maintaining a manageable level of complexity through standardized switching components.
3Reliability
If static control signals are used, then the ease of operation is high, but the ability to detect malfunctions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses periodic dynamic-type signals instead of continuous static signals. By analyzing the temporal characteristics and periodicity of these signals, the system can detect malfunctions through changes in signal patterns, providing anomaly detection capability while maintaining relatively simple processing logic.
Solution Approach 2:
The processing means analyze the dynamic-type control signals and provide feedback when anomalies are detected. This feedback mechanism enables automatic malfunction detection without requiring complex continuous monitoring, as the system only needs to respond when signal characteristics deviate from expected patterns.
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 configuration ensures the solenoid valve is reliably controlled, even with malfunctions in two of the control systems, adhering to safety standards by minimizing the risk of incorrect opening or closure, thus enhancing user and appliance safety.
Implementation Method 1
safety solenoid valve adapted to allow passage (solenoid valve open) or to cut off the passage (solenoid valve closed) of a flow of gas
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
AI summary
The device (10) has a first transistor (I1) for controlling opening and closing of a safety electrovalve (1) respectively when the transistor is in closed and open states, and positioned based on a first control signal (A). Second and third transistors (I2, I3) in series with the first transistor control opening of the valve when the second and third transistors are in the closed state and closing of the valve when the second and third transistors are in the open state. The second and third transistors are respectively positioned based on second and third control signals (B, C). The transistors can be NPN or PNP transistors.