Poppet Valve State Detection Through Integrated Resistance Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing valve systems require additional components like pressure transducers to provide positional feedback, which is inefficient and not always reliable for determining the state of valves in engine controllers.
Innovation Solution
A valve system that uses an electrical circuit with varying resistance levels to indicate the open or closed state of a poppet valve, monitored by a controller connected to an electronic engine control (EEC), eliminating the need for downstream pressure sensors by measuring resistance across electrical nodes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If pressure transducers are used downstream from the valve to provide positional feedback, then valve state information can be obtained, but the system complexity and component quantity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the valve body and position detection function into a single integrated structure. The valve body itself contains electrical contacts and conductive paths that automatically detect valve position through electrical resistance changes, eliminating the need for separate pressure transducers or position sensors downstream.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve system performs self-detection of its own position state through integrated electrical circuits within the valve body. The valve body's own structural components (electrical contacts, conductive paths) serve as the detection mechanism, making the system self-sufficient without external sensing components.
2Loss of information
If additional components like pressure transducers are added to the valve system, then positional feedback can be generated, but the manufacturing cost and assembly complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The valve body and position detection function are merged into a single integrated structure. The valve body itself contains electrical contacts and conductive paths that automatically detect valve position through electrical resistance changes, eliminating the need for separate pressure transducers or position sensors downstream.
3Measurement precision
If pressure transducers are used downstream from the valve, then valve position can be inferred, but the response time and measurement accuracy are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The detection function is segmented and placed directly at the valve position rather than being located downstream. Electrical contacts are positioned at specific locations within the valve body to detect position changes at the source, providing immediate and accurate feedback without the delay associated with downstream pressure measurements.
Solution Approach 2:
Electrical resistance serves as an intermediary parameter that directly reflects valve position. The conductive paths and electrical contacts within the valve body translate mechanical position into electrical signals, providing a direct and immediate measurement mechanism that bypasses the intermediate step of pressure measurement required by traditional downstream sensors.
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
Enables accurate and efficient generation of valve state feedback without additional components, improving engine control operations by integrating positional feedback directly into the valve system.
Implementation Method 1
A controller is operatively connected to the electrical circuit, configured to monitor electrical resistance of the electrical circuit and to output a signal indicative of open or closed state of the valve based on whether electrical resistance of the electrical circuit is at a first level or at a second level
Data Source
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AI summary
A valve system includes a valve body (102) defining an inlet, an outlet, and a flow path connecting the inlet in fluid communication with the outlet through one or more flow paths through the valve body (102). A poppet (108) is slidingly engaged to the valve body (102) for movement along an axis, between a first position allowing flow though the flow path, and a second position blocking flow the flow path. An electrical circuit (110) makes a path through the valve body (102). A controller (112) is operatively connected to the electrical circuit (110), configured to monitor electrical resistance of the electrical circuit (110) and to output a signal indicative of open or closed state of the valve based on whether electrical resistance of the electrical circuit (110) is at a first level or at a second level.