Gas Valve Pressure Detection with Electronic Sensors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing gas valve assemblies lack efficient monitoring and control mechanisms for detecting high and low gas pressure events, which can lead to unsafe operating conditions and inefficient appliance performance.
Innovation Solution
A gas valve assembly equipped with pressure sensors positioned upstream, intermediate, and downstream of the valve, communicating pressure measurements to a controller that compares these against threshold values to detect pressure events and provide output signals for control actions, potentially replacing or complementing mechanical switches.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If mechanical pressure switches are used to detect high and low gas pressure events, then the device structure is simple, but the measurement precision and response accuracy are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical pressure switches with electronic pressure sensors to detect gas pressure events. The pressure sensors provide more accurate and reliable pressure measurements compared to mechanical switches, enabling precise detection of high and low pressure conditions while maintaining system simplicity through electronic integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve assembly integrates multiple functions including pressure sensing, electronic control, and gas flow regulation into a single unified system. The controller receives pressure signals from sensors, processes the information, and automatically actuates the valve, creating a multi-functional device that improves measurement precision without proportionally increasing complexity.
2Reliability
If pressure sensors are integrated into the valve assembly, then the response time to pressure events is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the pressure sensing function with the existing valve assembly by integrating pressure sensors directly into the gas flow path. The sensors are positioned to detect pressure events at critical locations, and their signals are processed by the valve's existing controller, creating a unified safety monitoring system that improves reliability without requiring separate standalone devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback control where pressure sensors continuously monitor gas pressure and send signals to the controller. When high or low pressure events are detected, the controller automatically responds by actuating the valve to correct the pressure condition, creating a closed-loop feedback system that enhances safety and reliability through real-time monitoring and automatic correction.
3Loss of information
If multiple pressure sensors are positioned at different locations, then the detection coverage is improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the pressure monitoring function into multiple segments by positioning pressure sensors at different locations within the valve assembly - including upstream, downstream, and intermediate positions. Each sensor monitors specific pressure zones, ensuring complete detection coverage of all potential pressure events throughout the gas flow path, with each sensor location providing targeted monitoring of critical pressure zones.
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
Enhances safety and operational efficiency by accurately detecting pressure events, enabling timely control actions and reducing the need for manual adjustments, while integrating seamlessly with existing mechanical systems.
Implementation Method 1
one or more pressure sensors positioned at one or more positions along a fluid path of the valve assembly... configured to sense a measure related to a pressure at the corresponding position
Data Source
AI summary
This disclosure relates generally to valves, and more particularly, to gas valve assemblies. In one example, the valve assembly may include a valve body with a fluid path, one or more valves or valve sealing members positioned across the fluid path, and one or more pressure sensors in fluid communication with a fluid path of the valve assembly. The valve assembly may include a valve controller in communication with the pressure sensors, where the valve controller may be configured to compare a measure related to a pressure sensed by the one or more pressure sensors to a pressure threshold value (e.g., a high pressure threshold value, a low pressure threshold value, or other pressure threshold value). If the measure surpasses the threshold value, the valve controller may provide a predetermined output signal indicating a pressure event has occurred, such as a high or low gas pressure event.