Integrated Valve Sensor Assembly for Residual Fluid Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid sensor assemblies in valve systems are prone to issues such as residual fluid left in the flow path due to the sensor's location being separate from the valve, added complexity and weight from external fittings, and inability to detect non-conductive fluids, leading to potential damage and inefficiency.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating fluid level sensors directly into the movable valve member, such as a ball valve, allowing them to deform and generate signals in response to fluid pressure, eliminating the need for external fittings and improving detection capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the sensor is located externally to the valve assembly, then the sensor can detect fluid levels, but residual fluid remains in the flow path between the sensor and valve causing potential damage
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor assembly is integrated directly into the movable valve member, merging the sensor and valve into a single unit. This eliminates the separate external sensor location and the flow path segment between them, ensuring that when the valve closes, no fluid remains trapped between the sensor and valve, thereby preventing valve damage while simplifying the overall system structure
2Reliability
If external fittings and separate sensor assemblies are used, then fluid level detection is achieved, but the system size and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor assembly is combined with the movable valve member into a single integrated unit. This merging eliminates the need for separate external sensor assemblies and additional fittings, thereby reducing the overall weight of the valve assembly while maintaining full fluid level detection capability
Solution Approach 2:
The movable valve member is given dual functionality: it serves both as the flow control element and as the mounting structure for the sensor assembly. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed, thereby reducing weight without compromising detection capability
3Reliability
If traditional external sensor assemblies are used, then fluid detection is possible, but the system requires additional fittings and installation complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor assembly is integrated directly into the movable valve member, creating a single assembly unit. This merging eliminates the need for separate installation of external sensors and additional fittings, thereby simplifying the installation process and reducing assembly complexity while maintaining detection accuracy
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
This integrated approach reduces residual fluid, simplifies the system, and enhances detection of various fluid types, particularly in harsh environments like aircraft, by minimizing size, weight, and complexity while ensuring accurate valve operation.
Implementation Method 1
fluid level sensors mounted to the moveable valve member and configured to deform to generate a signal in response to a predetermined mass or pressure of fluid acting on the sensor
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5A~5C
AI summary
A valve assembly comprising: a valve body (10) having an inlet end (11) and an outlet end (12) and a fluid flow path (13) extending from the inlet end to the outlet end; a moveable valve member (40) located in the fluid flow path intermediate the inlet end and the outlet end, the moveable valve member being movable relative to the valve body between an open position to allow fluid flow from the inlet end to the outlet end along the fluid flow path through the open moveable valve member (40) and a closed position to prevent fluid flow from the inlet end to the outlet end along the fluid flow path; and one or more fluid level tensometer sensors (50) mounted to the moveable valve member (40) and configured to deform to generate an electrical signal in response to a predetermined mass or pressure of fluid acting on the one or more sensors.