Programmable Pressure Release Control for Valve Wear and Hysteresis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Mechanical pressure reducing valves (PRVs) are limited in functionality due to static pressure set-points, prone to wear, and malfunctions such as 'dead bands' and hysteresis, making them unsuitable for diverse use cases and environments.
Innovation Solution
A programmable electronic controller manages pressure release through dynamic threshold adjustments, using sensors and actuators to regulate valve operation, enabling intelligent pressure management across various conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If mechanical pressure reducing valves are used with static pressure set-points, then the device structure is simple, but the adaptability to different vehicles and environments is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by transitioning from static pressure set-points to dynamic, programmable pressure thresholds. The electronic controller can adjust pressure thresholds in real-time based on vehicle type, environmental conditions, and operational parameters, enabling the pressure management system to adapt to different vehicles and environments without hardware changes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical pressure-regulating mechanisms with an electronic control system. Instead of relying on mechanical spring-loaded valves with fixed set-points, the system uses electronic sensors, programmable controllers, and electronic actuators to manage pressure, thereby improving adaptability while increasing device complexity.
2Reliability
If mechanical pressure reducing valves are used, then the device complexity is low, but the reliability is reduced due to wear and malfunctions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service through automated monitoring and diagnostic capabilities. The electronic controller continuously monitors pressure sensor data, valve actuation status, and system parameters, automatically detecting wear patterns and potential malfunctions. The system can self-diagnose issues such as dead bands and hysteresis effects, and alert operators before failures occur, thereby improving reliability without requiring complex manual intervention systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies feedback by implementing continuous monitoring of pressure conditions and valve performance. The electronic controller receives feedback from pressure sensors and uses this information to adjust valve actuation in real-time, detecting and compensating for wear and malfunction trends, thereby improving system reliability through active management.
3Measurement precision
If mechanical pressure reducing valves are used, then the device complexity is low, but the precision of pressure control is insufficient due to dead bands and hysteresis
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical pressure control mechanisms with electronic control to eliminate dead bands and hysteresis effects. The electronic controller can precisely regulate valve actuation based on real-time pressure sensor feedback, achieving superior pressure control precision without the mechanical limitations of spring-loaded valves.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements precise feedback control by continuously monitoring pressure conditions and adjusting valve actuation accordingly. The electronic controller uses pressure sensor data to make real-time adjustments, eliminating the dead bands and hysteresis inherent in mechanical systems and achieving precise pressure control throughout the operational range.
4Adaptability or versatility
If programmable electronic controllers are used for dynamic pressure management, then the adaptability and precision are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing an electronic control system that can handle multiple vehicle types, environmental conditions, and operational scenarios through software programming rather than hardware changes. The single electronic controller platform can be configured for different applications, reducing the need for multiple specialized mechanical valve systems.
Data Source
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AI summary
Aspects of the disclosed technology provide a pressure management system in which pressure release is controlled by one or more programmable and updatable electronic controller/s. A pressure management system can include an electronic controller, a pressure sensor coupled to the electronic controller and to a pipe, wherein the pressure sensor is configured to relay pressure information about the pipe to the electronic controller, and a primary valve coupled between a vent and the electronic controller. The pressure management system can further include a cylinder coupled to the pipe via a secondary valve, and wherein the electronic controller is configured to actuate the primary valve and/or the secondary based on pressure information received from the pressure sensor. Processes and machine-readable media are also provided.