Positioning Valve Feedback Control Without Transducers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing valving systems require transducers for accurate position feedback, increasing complexity and cost.
Innovation Solution
A valving system that uses a torque motor with a positioning extension and feedback springs to provide accurate position feedback without the need for transducers, where the position of the valve is controlled by associating current supplied to the torque motor with the actual position of the valve member.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If transducers are used for accurate position feedback, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the transducer component from the system entirely. Instead of using a transducer to sense position, the invention extracts only the essential feedback function by using the existing actuator piston position and spring forces to provide position information, thereby eliminating the complexity associated with transducers while maintaining measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses its own internal components (actuator piston, springs, and mechanical linkages) to provide position feedback without requiring external sensing devices. The mechanical arrangement allows the actuator system to self-report its position through the relationship between piston displacement and spring compression/extension, making the system self-sufficient for position measurement.
2Measurement precision
If transducers are used for accurate position feedback, then measurement precision is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
By removing the transducer component, the patent eliminates the associated manufacturing costs of purchasing, installing, and calibrating expensive position sensing devices. The solution uses only standard mechanical components that are already part of the actuator system, significantly reducing manufacturing costs while maintaining the ability to accurately determine valve position.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces expensive, complex transducers with simple, inexpensive mechanical elements (springs and linkages) that are already part of the actuator assembly. These basic mechanical components are much cheaper to manufacture and install, making the overall system more cost-effective while still providing accurate position information.
3Measurement precision
If transducers are used for accurate position feedback, then measurement precision is improved, but the number of components increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the position sensing function with the existing actuator mechanism. Instead of adding a separate transducer component, the invention combines position measurement with the actuator piston and spring system, so that the same mechanical elements that drive the valve also provide position feedback, thereby reducing the total number of components.
Solution Approach 2:
The actuator piston and spring components serve multiple functions: they drive the valve movement and simultaneously provide position feedback information. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for dedicated position sensing components, reducing the overall component count while maintaining measurement precision.
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 valve position control without the need for position sensing transducers, reducing system complexity and cost while maintaining high accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
a spring force from the positioning extension
Implementation Method 2
current received at the armature from a control
Data Source
AI summary
A valving system has an actuator member connected to move with an actuator piston and change the position of a valve member. There is a smaller face fluid chamber acting on a small area piston face, and a larger face fluid chamber acting on a larger face of the actuator piston. The torque motor has an armature and a flapper caused to move by current received at the armature. The flapper moves between two fluid ports to control the pressure in the larger face chamber. The flapper further has a positioning extension engaging a first feedback spring operable between it and a forward face of the actuator piston and providing a spring force in combination with a spring force from the positioning extension. A control is operable to provide current to the armature to control the fluid received in the larger face chamber. The controller is programmed to associate the current supplied to the armature to an actual position of the valve member. A method is also disclosed.