Electromagnetic Gas Valve Monitoring via Current Feedback Timing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Heating appliances with electromagnetically operated valves can malfunction due to mechanical blockages, which are difficult to detect, particularly affecting systems with pneumatic gas-air mixtures, and existing solutions like duplication and fail-safe control systems are costly and complex.
Innovation Solution
A method for monitoring electromagnetic gas valves by applying a test signal, capturing a feedback current signal, and determining the opening position based on feedback duration, allowing for regular and automated detection of valve malfunctions without significant complexity or structural changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If gas valves are duplicated with fail-safe control system to counter potential malfunctions, then safety is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a monitoring method that uses feedback signals from the electromagnetic valve to detect malfunctions. A test signal is applied to the valve and the response current is measured, providing feedback about the valve's opening position and operational status, enabling single-valve systems to achieve fail-safe operation through active monitoring
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical redundancy (duplicated physical valves) with an electrical/electronic monitoring system. Instead of having backup mechanical components, the system uses electrical signal monitoring, current measurement, and control unit-based detection to achieve safety functions
2Reliability
If electromagnetic valve monitoring is implemented to detect mechanical blockages, then reliability is improved, but measurement precision of opening width is insufficient in existing methods
Solution Approach 1:
The patent monitors changes in electrical parameters (current, resistance, inductance) of the electromagnetic valve to determine opening position. By measuring the current response to applied test signals and analyzing parameter changes over time, the system achieves precise determination of valve opening width without mechanical measurement components
3Reliability
If regular monitoring of electromagnetic valve is performed, then malfunction detection is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the control unit serve multiple functions: it controls the electromagnetic valve's normal operation, generates test signals for monitoring, measures response currents, evaluates valve status, and triggers safety responses. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated monitoring hardware, maintaining simplicity while achieving reliable malfunction detection
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 reliable monitoring of electromagnetic valves, reducing the risk of malfunctions and ensuring safe operation by detecting deviations in valve positions, with minimal impact on the heating device's complexity and production process.
Implementation Method 1
electromagnetically operated valve
Implementation Method 2
measuring a signal in the form of a current signal
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
A method for monitoring an electromagnetically operated valve (5) of a heating device (1) is proposed, comprising at least the following steps: a) applying a test signal (23, 26) to the valve (5), b) acquiring a feedback signal (24, 25, 27), wherein a current signal (17, 18) of the valve (5) is used for the feedback signal (24, 25, 27), and in a step c) determining the opening position of the valve (5) based on a feedback duration (6) from the application of the test signal (23, 26) until the current signal (17, 18) reaches at least a predetermined threshold value (21). The test signal (23, 26) can be a voltage pulse of a defined test duration (28) or a switch-off of the control signal of the valve (5) for a defined test duration (28).A voltage pulse can be used as a test signal (23, 26), particularly when the valve (5) is switched off, and the control signal of the valve (5) can be switched off when the valve (5) is switched on. Furthermore, a current signal (17, 18) of the electromagnetically operated valve (5) can be used to detect the feedback signal (24, 25, 27), and in step c) the opening position of the valve (5) can be determined based on a feedback duration (6) from the application of the test signal (23, 26) until the current signal (17, 18) falls below or exceeds at least a predetermined threshold value (21).