Universal Logic Circuit for Rewiring-Free Hydraulic Valve Actuators
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electro-hydraulic valve actuators require complex wiring configurations and modifications to accommodate different operational modes and configurations, making it difficult for users to change settings without extensive technical expertise.
Innovation Solution
A universal control circuitry system that includes input channels, user-selectable inputs, motor outputs, valve outputs, and physical logic gates, with a multiplexer to route signals based on mode selector inputs, allowing for standardized control across various configurations through simple switch selections without complex wiring modifications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If complex wiring configurations are used to accommodate different operational modes, then the actuator can support multiple configurations, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to the difficulty of changing settings
Solution Approach 1:
The control circuit uses selectable switch configurations that allow dynamic reconfiguration of the actuator's operational mode without physical wiring changes. The switches can be toggled between positions to change the circuit configuration, enabling the actuator to adapt between different modes (e.g., fail-open, fail-closed, normal operation) simply by changing switch positions rather than rewiring
Solution Approach 2:
A single control circuit design serves multiple functions by accommodating different operational modes through switch selections. The same circuit hardware supports various actuator configurations (double-acting, single-acting, spring-to-open, spring-to-close) without requiring different wiring harnesses or circuit boards, making the system universally applicable across multiple configurations
2Adaptability or versatility
If complex wiring configurations are used to accommodate different operational modes, then the actuator can support multiple configurations, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
A single standardized control circuit design serves multiple functions by accommodating different operational modes through switch selections. The same circuit hardware supports various actuator configurations (double-acting, single-acting, spring-to-open, spring-to-close) without requiring different wiring harnesses or circuit boards, making the system universally applicable across multiple configurations
Solution Approach 2:
The control circuit uses selectable switch configurations that allow dynamic reconfiguration of the actuator's operational mode without physical wiring changes. The switches can be toggled between positions to change the circuit configuration, enabling the actuator to adapt between different modes (e.g., fail-open, fail-closed, normal operation) simply by changing switch positions rather than rewiring
Data Source
AI summary
Universal control circuitry for an electro-hydraulic valve actuator system includes logic gate circuitry to control one or more of a closing solenoid valve, an opening solenoid valve, an emergency shutdown solenoid valve, and a hydraulic fluid pump motor to route hydraulic fluid through a hydraulic circuit to actuate a valve via a hydraulic actuator according to received commands. The universal control circuitry is configured to control operation for multiple different configurations of a hydraulic valve actuator system including double-acting configurations, single-acting spring-to-open configurations, and single-acting spring-to-close configurations, each with or without an emergency shutdown arrangement (which may be configured to trip based on an external shutdown input alone or in combination with a local system power failure), a hydraulic accumulator, and maintained or momentary input commands.