Parallel Valve Fluid Control System for Precision Dispersal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid control systems in aeronautical material dispersal applications face challenges with precise control due to the limitations of simple open and closed hydraulic valves, which are not well-suited for closed-loop systems requiring precise fluid transfer and mechanical control, as they induce mechanical stresses and are less reliable compared to proportional valves.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing plural open and closed valves in parallel, with flow limiting means such as valve port size selection or flow limiting orifices, and a feedback modulated control system to achieve proportional fluid transfer, enabling precise control of fluid flow rates and mechanical actuator movements through pulse-width modulation and valve state combinations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If simple open and closed hydraulic valves are used, then the system is simpler and more economical, but the control precision and reliability deteriorate due to bang-bang actuation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the single valve control function into multiple valves (first, second, and third hydraulic valves) with different flow rates. Each valve is independently controlled to achieve incremental fluid transfer, enabling precise control without requiring a single complex proportional valve. This segmentation allows the system to maintain simplicity while achieving fine-grained control precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically selects and combines different valve configurations based on the required fluid transfer rate. The controller activates specific valve combinations (e.g., first valve alone, first and second valves together, all three valves) to match the desired flow rate, making the system adaptable and precise without requiring each individual valve to be continuously adjustable.
2Measurement precision
If proportional hydraulic valves are used, then control precision improves, but device complexity, cost, and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using a single proportional valve, the patent segments the control function across multiple simple on/off valves with fixed flow rates. Each valve handles a specific flow increment, and their combinations provide fine-grained control. This approach achieves proportional control precision without requiring complex proportional valve mechanisms, reducing overall system complexity and cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges multiple simple valve functions to achieve the control capability of a complex proportional valve. By combining the flow rates of different valves in various configurations, the system creates a composite control response that matches proportional control precision while using simpler, more reliable individual components.
3Device complexity
If simple open and closed valves are used with sufficient flow rate capabilities, then the system is simpler, but hold-position tolerance and acceleration control deteriorate due to high flow rates and actuation delay
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the total flow rate into multiple smaller incremental flows from different valves. This allows the system to use smaller valves with faster actuation times and better positioning control, rather than relying on a single large valve with slow response. The segmented approach enables precise acceleration and deceleration control by selectively activating valves in sequence.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses periodic or sequential activation of different valve combinations to achieve smooth, controlled motion. By cycling through different valve states and using feedback from position sensors, the system can control acceleration and deceleration profiles precisely, maintaining hold-position tolerance even during dynamic transitions.
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 system achieves precise and controlled fluid transfer and mechanical actuator movement with improved reliability and reduced mechanical stress, enabling accurate dispersal of materials at predetermined rates, overcoming the limitations of simple hydraulic valves in closed-loop systems.
Implementation Method 1
The valve is a multi-port directional solenoid valve
Implementation Method 2
Flow control of the second valve 176 is set by flow limiting orifices 190 and 186
Data Source
AI summary
A control system for transferring fluid between a fluid supply and a process. The control system includes a transfer controller, which outputs a transfer signal that corresponds to a time varying fluid transfer rate, and plural valves that are plumbed in parallel for connection between the fluid supply and the process. Each valve has a corresponding input to receive an actuation signal that enables a closed state or an open state. The system also includes plural means for limiting the rate of fluid flow corresponding to the plural valves, and a valve drive that is coupled to the corresponding inputs of the plural valves, which operates to generate a sequences of valve actuation signals that result in a combined fluid flow rate through the plural valves selected to track the time varying fluid transfer rate defined by a modulated transfer signal within a margin of error. A transfer sensor is engaged to output a feedback signal that is related to the actual time varying transfer of fluid with the process, and a feedback modulator is coupled to modulate the transfer signal with the feedback signal to produce the modulated transfer signal.