Magnetic Valve Position Sensing for Drift-Resistant Flow Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid flow control devices face accuracy issues due to the degradation of magnetic fields over time and temperature, particularly in remote locations, making precise control of valve positions challenging and costly to maintain.
Innovation Solution
A fluid flow control device equipped with multiple magnetic field sensors that measure the strength and angle of a magnet attached to the valve member, allowing for accurate position determination and automatic calibration for changes in the magnetic field, ensuring precise control of fluid flow between fully open and fully closed positions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a single magnetic field sensor is used to determine valve member position, then the device complexity is reduced, but the measurement precision deteriorates due to magnetic field degradation over time and temperature
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic field sensing is divided into multiple independent sensors arranged at different positions around the valve member. Each sensor measures the magnetic field at its specific location, and the combined data from all sensors provides comprehensive position information while enabling compensation for magnetic field degradation through comparative analysis
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple magnetic field sensors are combined into a unified sensing system that collectively determines the valve member position. The sensors work together to provide redundant measurements that can be processed to compensate for temperature effects and magnetic field degradation, achieving higher precision than a single sensor could provide
2Measurement precision
If multiple magnetic field sensors are used to improve position determination accuracy, then the measurement precision is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The multiple magnetic field sensors serve dual functions: they simultaneously determine the valve member position and provide reference data for compensating magnetic field degradation. This multi-functionality justifies the increased sensor count by extracting additional value from the same hardware components
3Measurement precision
If regular recalibration of the magnetic field sensor is performed to maintain accuracy, then the measurement precision is maintained, but the loss of time and operational downtime increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple magnetic field sensors are pre-configured to continuously monitor magnetic field characteristics during normal operation. This preliminary monitoring establishes baseline data that enables real-time compensation for degradation, eliminating the need for periodic recalibration and associated operational downtime
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors magnetic field strength and characteristics from multiple sensors, compares current readings against reference values, and automatically adjusts position determination calculations to compensate for degradation. This closed-loop feedback mechanism maintains accuracy without requiring manual recalibration intervention
4Ease of operation
If the valve is installed in remote locations to reduce operational costs, then the ease of operation is improved, but the ease of repair and recalibration deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The multiple sensor system performs self-diagnosis and self-calibration by continuously comparing measurements from different sensors and automatically compensating for magnetic field degradation through internal reference data. This self-service capability eliminates the need for external intervention or specialist recalibration, making the system suitable for remote installations
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 provides enhanced accuracy and economical operation by maintaining precise control of fluid flow, independent of temperature fluctuations and magnetic field degradation, ensuring reliable performance in various industrial settings.
Implementation Method 1
one or more magnetic field sensors (for measuring the magnetic field (e.g. strength and/or angle) of the magnet)
Data Source
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AI summary
A device (1) for controlling the flow of a fluid through a conduit from an upstream side of the device to a downstream side of the device. The device includes a valve housing (2) having defined therein a valve aperture (8), a valve member (6) movably mounted relative to the valve aperture. The valve member is arranged to be displaced reciprocally in a direction to selectively open and close the valve aperture. The device also includes a magnet (21) mounted on or relative to the valve member, with the magnet (21) being displaced by displacement of the valve member. A plurality of magnetic field sensors (26) are mounted on the valve housing.