Remotely Controlled Valve Multi-Protocol Control Interface
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing valves in pressure fluid systems are limited to specific control systems, requiring replacement and updates when newer, more accurate control systems are introduced, such as wireless signals, leading to increased costs and time for system updates.
Innovation Solution
A remotely controlled valve with an electric motor and transmission system that can be controlled via various methods, including wireless technologies, digital signals, and traditional analog cables, using a programmable logic controller module that supports multiple protocols like Ethernet, Modbus, WIFI, Bluetooth, and others, allowing for easy adaptation to different control systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If valves are designed with fixed control systems, then manufacturing and initial operation are simpler, but adaptability to new control systems deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The valve is designed with a universal interface that can accept multiple types of control signals including analog voltage (0-10V), analog current (4-20mA), and digital communication protocols (Modbus RTU, CAN bus). This multi-functionality allows the same valve to be controlled by different control systems without replacement, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and complexity by integrating multiple control capabilities into a single unified device.
Solution Approach 2:
The control interface is segmented into separate communication modules that can independently handle different protocols. The valve controller includes distinct signal processing circuits for analog inputs and digital communication, allowing each control method to be processed separately while maintaining overall system integration. This segmentation enables adaptability without overwhelming complexity.
2Measurement precision
If valves are replaced to update control systems, then control accuracy improves, but time and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The valve is pre-configured with multiple control interface capabilities during manufacturing, including both traditional analog control and modern digital communication protocols. This preliminary preparation ensures that when control accuracy updates are needed, the valve body and motor assembly can remain in place while only the control interface parameters need to be reconfigured, dramatically reducing update time and cost while maintaining improved control accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system parameters of the valve are made dynamically reconfigurable through software settings rather than fixed hardware configurations. The valve controller can dynamically adapt its communication protocol and signal processing characteristics based on the connected control system, allowing accurate control to be achieved through parameter adjustments rather than physical replacement.
3Measurement precision
If valves are replaced to update control systems, then control accuracy improves, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
By incorporating universal control interfaces that support multiple protocols and signal types into the standard valve design, the patent eliminates the need for separate valve models for different control systems. This universality reduces manufacturing costs through standardized production while maintaining high control accuracy, as the same precision motor and transmission components are used across all variants.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve achieves different control accuracies and compatibility levels through software parameter configuration rather than hardware changes. The control interface parameters, communication protocols, and signal processing characteristics can be adjusted via firmware settings, allowing the same physical valve to adapt to different control systems without requiring expensive custom manufacturing for each application.
Data Source
AI summary
A remotely controlled valve includes an electric motor and transmission for moving a valve stem or valve actuator. The operation of the motor may be controlled by a first input for power and analog signals. The valve is also provided with a programmable logic controller and a wireless module for receiving wireless control signals for controlling the operation of the motor which moves the valve stem or a valve actuator in a desired manner.