Gas Meter Shut-Off Valve Monitoring via Actuator Current Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing gas meter shut-off valve monitoring systems are prone to corrosion and wear, leading to unreliable state detection, and are complicated by mechanical parts and wiring, which complicates production and assembly.
Innovation Solution
A method that monitors the electric absorption of an actuator coupled to the shut-off valve, determining the switching time based on operating temperature to reliably detect the valve state without mechanical sensors, allowing for fault identification and communication to a remote device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If mechanical switches with ball shutter are used to detect valve state, then the valve state can be detected, but the mechanical parts are subject to corrosion and wear leading to unreliable detection over time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical switches and ball shutters with an electromagnetic actuator system that monitors valve state through electrical parameters (current absorption, resistance) rather than mechanical position detection. This eliminates mechanical contact points that are subject to corrosion and wear, thereby improving long-term reliability while extending component service life.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces electrical parameters (current absorption, resistance measurements) as an intermediary to detect valve state indirectly without mechanical contact. The actuator's electrical characteristics change based on valve position and operational status, providing a non-contact method to monitor valve state that avoids the corrosion and wear problems of mechanical systems.
2Reliability
If mechanical switches with wiring are used for valve monitoring, then the valve state can be detected, but the design, production and assembly are complicated by the presence of wiring
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the valve actuation function and the state detection function into a single electromagnetic actuator unit. The actuator both moves the valve and provides electrical parameter measurements for state detection, eliminating the need for separate mechanical switches and their associated wiring, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining detection reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The electromagnetic actuator serves multiple functions: it actuates the valve mechanism and simultaneously provides electrical parameter data for state monitoring. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated detection components and their wiring, simplifying the overall system design, production, and assembly while ensuring reliable valve state detection.
3Ease of operation
If fixed switching time threshold is used for valve state detection, then the detection is simple, but it does not account for temperature variations affecting switching time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the detection parameter from a fixed time threshold to a temperature-compensated time threshold. By measuring temperature and adjusting the expected switching time range accordingly, the system maintains detection accuracy across varying operating conditions while preserving the simplicity of threshold-based detection logic.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the detection threshold dynamic by adjusting it based on measured temperature. Instead of using a fixed switching time threshold, the system adapts the threshold range according to temperature conditions, allowing accurate detection across different operating environments while maintaining operational simplicity through automated adjustment.
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 precise and reliable detection of the shut-off valve state over time, simplifies production, and identifies potential faults, such as obstruction or idling, while reducing the risk of corrosion and eliminating the need for complex wiring.
Implementation Method 1
monitoring the electric absorption of an actuator which, when coupled to the valve, switches it from an open state to a closed state
Implementation Method 2
measuring an operating temperature of the shut-off valve and, based on the temperature measured, determining a minimum acceptable time and a maximum acceptable time for the switching of the valve
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4A~4C
AI summary
The present invention relates to a method for monitoring a state of a shut-off valve (21) of a gas meter (1). The gas meter (1) comprises a hollow body (10), which delimits a measuring compartment (11), an inlet conduit (13) and an outlet conduit (15) in fluid communication with the measuring compartment (11). Furthermore, the gas meter (I) comprises an actuator (23) coupled to the shut-off valve (21), to switch it between an open state, in which it allows the flow of gas into the measuring compartment (11) and a closed state, in which it blocks the flow of gas into the measuring compartment (II). The method comprises the steps of monitoring an electric absorption of the actuator (23), and determining the switching from one state to the other of the shut-off valve (21), based on the detection of a change in the electric absorption of the actuator (23) above a threshold. The method comprises measuring an operating temperature of the shut-off valve (21), and, based on the temperature measured, determining a minimum acceptable time and a maximum acceptable time for the switching, from one state to the other, of the valve. Thus, the method comprises the step of counting a time elapsed from the start of a switching from one state to the other, and checking if the time elapsed is comprised between the minimum acceptable time and the maximum acceptable time.