Integrated Valve Assembly PCB for Compact Flow Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing valve assemblies for household appliances require complex and costly assembly processes due to the need for multiple independent headers for electrovalves and flow measurement devices, leading to increased dimensions and manufacturing costs, as well as challenges in meeting electromagnetic compatibility requirements.
Innovation Solution
A valve assembly with a single integrated header that combines the electronic circuits for both electrovalves and flow measurement devices, utilizing interference fitting and press-fit technology for mechanical and electrical connections, eliminating the need for separate headers and reducing assembly complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If multiple independent headers are used for electrovalves and flow measurement devices, then each component can be independently controlled and connected, but the assembly process becomes complex and costly, and the overall dimensions increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple independent headers (one for electrovalves and another for flow measurement devices) into a single integrated header. This single header contains all necessary connection terminals and circuitry for both electrovalve control and flow measurement, eliminating the need for separate headers and reducing assembly complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The single header is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it provides electrical connections for controlling electrovalves, supports flow measurement device connections, and integrates the control circuitry for both functions within the same component structure
2Ease of manufacture
If multiple independent headers are used for electrovalves and flow measurement devices, then each component can be independently controlled and connected, but manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple independent headers (one for electrovalves and another for flow measurement devices) into a single integrated header. This single header contains all necessary connection terminals and circuitry for both electrovalve control and flow measurement, eliminating the need for separate headers and reducing assembly complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The single header is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it provides electrical connections for controlling electrovalves, supports flow measurement device connections, and integrates the control circuitry for both functions within the same component structure
3Ease of operation
If multiple independent headers are used for electrovalves and flow measurement devices, then each component can be independently controlled and connected, but the overall dimensions of the valve assembly increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple independent headers (one for electrovalves and another for flow measurement devices) into a single integrated header. This single header contains all necessary connection terminals and circuitry for both electrovalve control and flow measurement, eliminating the need for separate headers and reducing assembly complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated header design allows one functional circuit to be nested within or adjacent to another functional circuit on the same header substrate, with electrovalve control circuits and flow measurement circuits co-located and interconnected within the same physical space
4Device complexity
If electrovalves and measurement devices share a single header, then assembly complexity is reduced and dimensions are minimized, but electromagnetic compatibility requirements become more challenging to meet
Solution Approach 1:
The header is designed with different local zones having different electromagnetic properties: high-voltage zones for electrovalve connections are separated from low-voltage zones for flow measurement, with appropriate shielding and grounding structures placed locally where needed to manage electromagnetic interference
Solution Approach 2:
The header incorporates intermediary shielding structures, ground planes, and isolation circuits that act as mediators between high-voltage electrovalve circuits and sensitive low-voltage flow measurement circuits, preventing direct electromagnetic interference while maintaining electrical connectivity
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 2A
AI summary
Valve assembly (2) comprising a valve body (3), in turn comprising: at least one inlet duct (31); at least one outlet duct (32) and at least one intermediate portion (33); at least one electrovalve (4) located proximal to said at least one intermediate portion (33); at least one measurement device (5), directly connected to the valve body ( 3 ). Said at least one measurement device (5) comprises at least one sensor (50) for taking a measurement for determining a physical characteristic of the fluid that can flow in said valve assembly. Said at least one electrovalve (4) comprises a first electronic circuit (42) for conducting an electric control signal from a control unit (G) to the electrovalve (4). Said at least one measurement device (5) comprises a second electronic circuit (52) for conducting the electric signals exchanged between said control unit (G) and said at least one sensor (50). Said first electronic circuit (42) and said second electronic circuit (52) are implemented on a single header or printed circuit board (6). Said at least one electrovalve (4) and said at least one measurement device (5) are mechanically connected directly to said single header or printed circuit board (6).