Valve Position Indicator With Illuminated Rotor Windows
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Solution Overview
Problem
It is difficult to determine the position of a valve in piping systems from the location of the actuator, such as a hand wheel or power actuator, leading to a need for an improved valve position indicator that effectively communicates the valve's position.
Innovation Solution
A valve position indicator featuring an indicator cover with a rotor and windows, where the rotor's position indicators align with the windows to show the valve's position, and optionally includes an array of LED lights for illumination and positioning indication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If a traditional valve actuator is used without additional indication components, then the device complexity is low, but the valve position cannot be clearly determined from the actuator location
Solution Approach 1:
The rotor is positioned within the indicator cover, and the position indicators are integrated into the rotor structure. The entire indicator assembly is mounted on the actuator shaft, creating a nested configuration where smaller components are housed within larger ones, thereby providing position indication without significantly increasing overall device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The rotor acts as an intermediary component that translates the rotational position of the valve actuator into visible position indicators. The windows in the indicator cover serve as mediators that allow selective viewing of the rotor surface, clearly communicating valve position information to the operator
2Illumination intensity
If illumination components are added to the valve position indicator, then the visibility of position indicators is improved, but the use of energy and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The illumination system uses LED lights that can be activated periodically or on-demand rather than continuously. The controller can illuminate the position indicators only when needed, such as during operation or when position verification is required, thereby improving visibility while reducing overall energy consumption compared to continuous illumination
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes LED technology which allows for changes in illumination parameters such as intensity, color, and activation timing. By controlling these parameters, the system achieves high visibility when needed while minimizing energy consumption through selective activation and efficient LED light emission
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
The solution clearly and effectively communicates the valve's open or closed position through visual indicators, enhancing operator awareness and accuracy in valve operation.
Implementation Method 1
A light may be positioned proximate the rotor and configured to illuminate the position indicator. The valve position indicator may also include an array of LED lights bordering the rim of the indicator cover. As used herein the term LED (or L.E.D.) shall mean light-emitting diode and/or any similar type light emitting device.
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure relates to an embodiment of a valve position indicator having an indicator cover having at least one window and a rotor configured to be at least partially within the indicator cover. The rotor has an indicator surface with one or more position indicators wherein at least one of the position indicators is configured to align with the window on the indicator cover, thus indicating the position of a valve. A light may be positioned proximate the rotor and configured to illuminate the position indicator. The valve position indicator may also include an array of LED lights bordering the rim of the indicator cover. The valve position indicator may alternatively include the array of LED lights without the indicator cover.