Piezo Valve Opening Point Detection for Accurate Flow Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for determining the opening point position value of a valve device, such as piezo valve units, are unreliable due to factors like aging of sealing elements, temperature influences, and assembly variations, leading to inaccuracies in closed-loop control and flow rate discrepancies.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a drive variable signal course, like a ramp, is used to move the valve member from a closed to an open state, recording a position characteristic curve to determine the opening point position value, allowing for adaptive adjustment of the opening point variable to match the actual position, thereby maintaining control quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the opening point position value is determined using conventional methods, then the valve device can operate with basic control functionality, but the determination becomes unreliable due to aging of sealing elements, temperature influences, and assembly variations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing an opening point determination procedure before normal operation to establish accurate initial values. The system executes this procedure periodically or after specific events (power-on, component replacement) to proactively update the opening point position value before degradation affects control accuracy, thereby preventing rather than reacting to reliability issues
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback by using the recorded position characteristic curve to continuously update and adapt the opening point position value. The system measures the actual valve member position during the determination procedure and uses this feedback to correct deviations caused by aging, temperature changes, and assembly variations, ensuring long-term reliability and precision
2Device complexity
If the opening point position value deviates from actual valve position due to aging and environmental factors, then the valve device structure remains simple, but closed-loop control quality deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by enabling the valve device to automatically determine and update its own opening point position value without external intervention. The system performs the opening point determination procedure autonomously, adapting to changes in sealing elements, temperature, and assembly conditions, thereby maintaining control quality while avoiding complex external calibration systems
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic action by executing the opening point determination procedure at regular intervals or after specific triggering events (power-on, component replacement). This periodic recalibration ensures that the opening point position value remains accurate despite aging and environmental changes, maintaining closed-loop control quality without requiring continuous complex monitoring
3Productivity
If the opening point position value is not continuously updated, then the control system operates with fewer computational steps, but flow rate accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by updating the opening point position value at specific intervals rather than continuously. The determination procedure is executed periodically or after triggering events, balancing computational efficiency with flow rate accuracy by refreshing calibration data only when necessary to maintain precision without unnecessary computational overhead
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 approach ensures reliable determination of the opening point position value, preventing misinterpretations of valve states and ensuring accurate flow rates by continuously adapting the control variables to match the actual valve position, thus enhancing closed-loop control precision.
Implementation Method 1
a piezo valve unit, wherein the valve unit has a valve member (6) which can be moved from a closed state to an open state by means of a drive variable, in particular an electrical voltage
Data Source
AI summary
A method for determining an opening point position value of a valve device with a valve unit, in particular a piezo valve unit, in which the opening point position value describes the position of a valve member of the valve unit at which position the valve member changes from a closed state to an open state. The method including providing a drive variable signal course to drive the valve member with a drive variable so that the valve member is moved from the closed state to the open state and/or from the open state to the closed state, during the provision of the drive variable signal course, recording a position characteristic curve of the valve member as a function of the drive variable, on the basis of the recorded position characteristic curve, determining the opening point position value.