Seismic Valve Shutoff Control Using P- and S-Wave Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing automatic shutoff valves for gas supply lines during earthquakes rely on mechanical components that can be triggered by non-seismic vibrations, require expert installation, and lack remote control and health status reporting capabilities.

Innovation Solution

A retrofit automatic seismic wave detector and valve shutoff device using inertial measurement units and processing algorithms to accurately detect seismic waves, allowing for precise determination of seismic activity intensity and remote operation, and includes a transceiver for health status reporting.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If mechanical components (metal ball, pivoted flapper arm) are used to sense earthquake shock and vibrations, then the automatic shutoff function is achieved, but false positives are triggered by non-seismic vibrations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccuracy of seismic detectionVSAvoidfalse positives from non-seismic vibrations

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical sensing components (metal ball, pivoted flapper arm) with electronic sensors (accelerometers, vibration sensors) that can distinguish between seismic vibrations and non-seismic vibrations through signal processing and pattern recognition algorithms

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the detection parameters by using multiple sensors to measure different vibration characteristics (frequency, amplitude, duration, pattern) and applies threshold-based filtering to distinguish earthquake signals from normal vibrations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If existing automatic shutoff valves are installed in gas flow lines, then the shutoff function during earthquakes is achieved, but expert installation is required and pipe cutting is needed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautomatic shutoff capabilityVSAvoidinstallation complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the shutoff system into separate modular components: a control unit with sensors that can be installed externally on the pipe, and an actuator that interfaces with the existing valve mechanism, eliminating the need for pipe cutting and complex integration

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary actuator mechanism that couples the electronic control system to the existing mechanical valve without requiring direct integration into the gas flow line, simplifying installation and maintenance

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Extent of automation

If mechanical sensing mechanisms are used in automatic shutoff valves, then earthquake detection is achieved, but remote control and health status reporting capabilities are lacking

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautomatic earthquake responseVSAvoidlack of health status reporting

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent integrates multiple functions into a single electronic control unit: seismic sensing, signal processing, valve actuation control, health status monitoring, and wireless communication capabilities for remote operation and data reporting

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms where sensors continuously monitor system status (valve position, sensor functionality, battery level) and transmit this information wirelessly to remote monitoring systems, enabling real-time health assessment and proactive maintenance

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

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

The solution effectively reduces false positives from non-seismic vibrations, enables easy installation without pipe cutting, and provides remote control and health status reporting, enhancing the reliability and efficiency of gas supply line shutoff during earthquakes.

Implementation Method 1

A retrofit automatic seismic wave detector and valve shutoff device using inertial measurement units and processing algorithms to accurately detect seismic waves

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectInertial measurement: Inertia

Data Source

PatentUS11572678B1Automatic seismic wave detector and valve controller

Publication Date: 2023.02.07 FATEHI MOHAMMAD TAGHI

AI summary

A valve controller device for controlling a set of one or more solenoid valves is provided. The valve controller comprises an accelerometer for making acceleration measurements in three directions comprising acceleration measurements in a vertical direction. The valve controller comprises a processing unit that determines the arrival of seismic P-waves when the ratio of vibrations' power in the vertical direction with respect to a sum of the vibrations' power in the three directions exceeds a first threshold. The processing unit then determines the arrival of seismic S-waves when the vector sum of the vibrations' power in the three directions exceeds a second threshold. The processing unit then determines the arrival of seismic surface waves when the vector sum of the vibrations' power in the three directions exceeds a third threshold. The processing unit then sends one or more signals to close the set of solenoid valves.