Multiway Valve Temperature Sensing via Inductive Actuator Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional temperature measurement methods for fluid flows in control valves require multiple temperature sensors, leading to increased costs and unreliable measurements due to wired signal transmission and exposure to ambient conditions, with current technology unable to measure temperature in mixing chambers.
Innovation Solution
A temperature-sensitive resistor, such as a thermistor, is integrated into the control valve housing to detect fluid temperature wirelessly using inductive coupling with the electromagnetic actuator, eliminating the need for physical contact and wired connections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional temperature sensors with wired connections are used, then temperature measurement is possible, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase due to multiple sensors and cable connections
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the temperature sensing function with the electromagnetic actuator by integrating a temperature-sensitive resistor into the actuator's coil structure. This merging eliminates the need for separate temperature sensors and their associated wiring, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining temperature measurement capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The electromagnetic actuator is designed to serve dual functions: actuating the valve and sensing temperature. The coil structure serves both as the actuator's electromagnetic component and as the temperature-sensitive sensing element, allowing one component to perform multiple functions and reducing the overall number of parts.
2Measurement precision
If wired temperature sensors are installed in fluid channels, then temperature detection is achieved, but reliability decreases due to exposure to ambient conditions and wiring issues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses inductive coupling as an intermediary mechanism to transmit temperature data wirelessly from the temperature-sensitive resistor in the fluid channel to the external evaluation device. This eliminates direct wired connections that are exposed to ambient conditions, thereby improving reliability while maintaining detection accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical wired connection system with an electromagnetic inductive coupling system. By using wireless inductive transmission instead of physical cables, the system eliminates the reliability issues associated with wired connections exposed to environmental factors while maintaining accurate temperature detection.
3Measurement precision
If housing feedthroughs are used for temperature sensors, then sensors can be exposed to fluid, but sealing complexity increases and manufacturing becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The temperature-sensitive resistor is integrated directly into the electromagnetic actuator's coil structure, which is already a component of the valve assembly. This merging eliminates the need for separate housing feedthroughs and sealing arrangements for temperature sensors, simplifying both manufacturing and assembly processes while maintaining the ability to measure fluid temperature.
4Measurement precision
If temperature sensors are placed at inlet and outlet channels, then temperature measurement is possible, but measurement accuracy decreases due to ambient temperature influence
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses inductive coupling as a mediator to enable wireless transmission of temperature data from the temperature-sensitive resistor located in the fluid channel. This allows accurate measurement of the actual fluid temperature at the measurement point without the influence of ambient conditions, as the sensing element remains fully immersed in the fluid while transmitting data wirelessly.
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 method allows for reliable, cost-effective, and contactless fluid temperature detection, reducing manufacturing complexity and improving sealing, while enabling accurate temperature monitoring in mixing chambers.
Implementation Method 1
a temperature-sensitive resistor, such as a thermistor, in particular a thermistor, which changes its resistance depending on the temperature of the fluid flow
Implementation Method 2
a detection circuit which inductively influences a primary circuit of the electromagnetic actuator depending on the fluid temperature
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
AI summary
The present invention relates to a method for detecting the temperature of a fluid flow of a control valve having an electromagnetic actuator, in which a temperature-sensitive resistor, such as a thermistor, in particular a thermistor, is exposed to the fluid flow, the temperature-sensitive resistor is integrated into a detection circuit and, depending on the fluid temperature, a primary circuit of the electromagnetic actuator is inductively influenced by the detection circuit.