Pressure-Sensing Water Valve for Accurate Dispensing Across Pressure Swings
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solenoid actuated water valves struggle with precision dispensing accuracy due to wide variations in water pressure, leading to unacceptable variance in the amount of water dispensed across different installations and pressure ranges.
Innovation Solution
Incorporation of a pressure sensor at the inlet to measure water pressure, coupled with a controller that uses lookup tables and flow control curves to determine the valve opening time, allowing for precise water dispensing regardless of pressure fluctuations, and includes dynamic adjustment for pressure changes during operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional flow controls are used in solenoid actuated valves, then the valve can operate with simple structure and low cost, but the flow precision varies between 3% to 5% across the full pressure range of 10 to 150 psi
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by using a pressure sensor to continuously monitor the actual water pressure and comparing it with the expected pressure. The controller adjusts the valve opening time based on the pressure deviation, creating a closed-loop control system that maintains precise flow control despite pressure variations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies dynamics by making the valve opening time variable rather than fixed. The controller dynamically adjusts the opening duration based on real-time pressure conditions, allowing the system to adapt to changing pressure conditions and maintain consistent flow precision across the full pressure range.
2Measurement precision
If flow meters are incorporated to measure actual water dispensed, then flow measurement accuracy can be improved, but the tolerance and accuracy issues are exacerbated by contamination from particles and minerals in fluid
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses pressure as an intermediary parameter to indirectly control and determine flow quantity. Instead of directly measuring flow with a flow meter that is susceptible to contamination, the system measures pressure (which is not affected by contamination) and uses pressure-based calculations to determine the precise amount of water dispensed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical flow meter system with a pressure-based electronic control system. By substituting direct mechanical flow measurement with electronic pressure sensing and calculation, the system eliminates the vulnerability to contamination while maintaining measurement accuracy.
3Productivity
If the valve opening time is fixed for a predetermined water volume, then the valve operation is simple and fast, but the amount of water dispensed varies when pressure varies beyond manufacturer specifications
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the valve opening time dynamic by continuously adjusting it based on real-time pressure feedback. The controller modifies the opening duration according to the actual pressure conditions, allowing the system to maintain both fast operation and precise water dispensing accuracy across varying pressure conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operating parameter of valve opening time from a fixed value to a variable value that depends on pressure conditions. By adjusting this parameter dynamically based on pressure feedback, the system maintains precise control over water dispensing while preserving fast operation.
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
Ensures accurate water dispensing within a wide pressure range by dynamically adjusting valve opening times based on real-time pressure conditions, preventing over or under-dispensing and anticipating potential pipe failures.
Implementation Method 1
Incorporation of a pressure sensor at the inlet to measure water pressure
Implementation Method 2
solenoid actuated valves... An electronically controlled solenoid coil is attached to the exterior of the guide tube and provides the electromagnetic force necessary to move the armature within the guide tube
Implementation Method 3
A spring is also included within the guide tube and biases the armature into contact with the valve member assembly
Data Source
AI summary
A water valve having a housing defining an inlet and an outlet and a flow path extending therethrough, a pressure sensor configured to sense a water pressure at the inlet, a valve member situated within the flow path to open and close the flow path, a solenoid actuator, and a controller coupled to the pressure sensor to read the water pressure at the inlet and coupled to the solenoid to open and close the valve is provided. The controller determines an amount of time to hold the valve open in order to dispense an amount of water based on the water pressure. The controller commands the solenoid to open and close the valve to dispense the amount of water regardless of the water pressure. The controller is also configured to open the valve to reduce inlet pressure and prevent failure thereof.