Proportional Valve Display for Setpoint Deviation Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current valve devices in industrial automation lack a straightforward and efficient method for users to determine the performance and regulation accuracy of the valve unit, particularly in cases where the actual value does not track setpoint changes quickly enough, which is not evident from conventional displays showing the ratio of actual pressure to maximum pressure.
Innovation Solution
A device that calculates and displays a deviation value based on the target and actual values, using a deviation indicator such as a bar or marker, where the size, position, and color of the indicator visually represent the deviation, allowing users to quickly assess the valve unit's regulation performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If a conventional display showing the ratio of actual pressure to maximum pressure is used, then the display device is simple, but the user cannot quickly determine the valve unit's regulation accuracy or detect faults
Solution Approach 1:
The display device is segmented into multiple independent display elements (first display element for actual value, second display element for setpoint value, third display element for deviation value). This allows each element to convey specific information independently, enabling users to quickly assess regulation accuracy without overwhelming complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a new dimension of information display by adding the deviation value (difference between actual and setpoint) as a separate display element. This transforms the conventional single-ratio display into a multi-dimensional information presentation, allowing users to simultaneously view actual value, setpoint, and their difference, thereby quickly determining regulation accuracy.
2Reliability
If the display shows only the ratio of actual value to maximum value, then the device complexity is low, but the user cannot detect faults or regular characteristics that are not visible from the ratio
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by continuously displaying the deviation value (third display element) that shows the difference between actual and setpoint values. This real-time feedback mechanism enables users to detect faults and assess regulation performance, as the deviation information provides direct insight into whether the valve unit is tracking the setpoint correctly.
Solution Approach 2:
The display device is configured to show the deviation value in advance before users need to calculate or infer it from other parameters. By presenting the deviation information proactively, the system enables early fault detection and performance assessment, improving reliability without requiring complex user analysis.
3Ease of operation
If conventional display methods are used, then the device is simple to operate, but users cannot quickly assess how well the valve unit regulates the actual value to the setpoint
Solution Approach 1:
The display is segmented into distinct elements for actual value, setpoint value, and deviation. This segmentation allows users to immediately locate and interpret the deviation information without searching through a single complex display, significantly reducing the time required to assess valve performance while maintaining ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
By adding the deviation dimension as a separate display element, the patent enables users to assess regulation performance in constant time. The deviation value provides direct visual feedback on how well the actual value tracks the setpoint, eliminating the need for users to mentally calculate or infer performance from ratio displays alone.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a device (10) for industrial automation, comprising a housing (14) and a valve unit arranged in the housing (14), which is designed as a pneumatic proportional valve, as well as a display device (1) arranged on the housing (14) for displaying status information (2) about the valve unit, wherein the device (10) is designed to provide a deviation value based on a setpoint value and an actual value related to the valve unit and to display a deviation indicator (3) on the display device (1) according to the deviation value.