Near-Field RF Valve Actuator Access During Power Loss
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrically driven valve actuators face challenges in exchanging data when it is inconvenient or impossible to connect them to a conventional power source, such as during delivery, maintenance, or power failures.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a near field RF power receiver that enables the actuator to receive radio frequency energy from an external device, allowing wireless communication and data exchange with control electronics, even without a conventional power source, using a non-conductive housing to facilitate RF energy reception.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the actuator uses a conventional power source connection for data exchange, then reliable power supply is ensured, but the actuator cannot exchange data during delivery, maintenance, or power failures
Solution Approach 1:
The actuator is equipped with both conventional power input and near field RF power receiver, enabling it to operate and exchange data through multiple power sources. This multi-functionality allows the actuator to be configured during delivery, maintained during power failures, and operated flexibly in various environments without being restricted to a single power connection method.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the actuator housing is made conductive for shielding, then electromagnetic interference is reduced, but RF energy reception is blocked
Solution Approach 1:
The housing is designed with differentiated electromagnetic properties: most of the housing remains conductive for EMI shielding, while specific regions contain non-conductive sections or RF-transparent windows that allow RF energy to pass through to the antenna. This local differentiation enables simultaneous EMI protection and RF power reception without compromise.
3Reliability
If the actuator includes only well-sealed penetrations for power and communication, then reliability in harsh environments is improved, but data exchange during maintenance and delivery becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical connection requirement (physical power input port and communication cable connections) with a wireless near field RF system. The antenna receives power and data signals through electromagnetic fields without requiring physical penetrations or cable connections, thereby maintaining environmental sealing while enabling flexible data exchange during delivery, installation, and maintenance.
4Use of energy by moving object
If the actuator requires external power connection for configuration and diagnostics, then power consumption is optimized, but operational efficiency during power failures decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The actuator can perform self-configuration, self-diagnostics, and data exchange using the wireless near field RF power receiver without requiring external power connection. The control electronics can retrieve stored data, log information, and communicate valve status using energy harvested from the RF signals, enabling maintenance personnel to service the actuator independently of external power availability.
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 data exchange for valve position, torque, configuration, and fault-relevant information, allowing remote diagnosis and control, even in situations where conventional power is unavailable, enhancing maintenance and operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a near field power receiver located within the housing in data and power communication with the control electronics. The near field power receiver including an antenna configured, when electrical power is not applied to a power input port of the valve actuator, to receive radio frequency energy from an external device located proximal to the near field power receiver but outside of the housing
Data Source
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AI summary
A near field energized electronic valve actuator includes a power receiver that enables powering of control electronics using wireless RF energy received from an external device such as a laptop computer or smart cellular telephone handset when conventional power is unavailable to the actuator, thereby enabling exchange of data between the external device and the control electronics. Embodiments further enable data exchange between the control electronics and non-volatile memory during the wireless energization. The data can be exchanged, for example, during initial configuration of the actuator before customer delivery, during an unpowered maintenance period to retrieve operational log information stored by the control electronics, and/or to retrieve valve position information measured by a position sensor and/or fault-relevant data from the actuator when power has been interrupted due to an actuator or valve failure.