Valve Coil Control Using Shared PWM Power and Data Lines
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing valve control systems face challenges in efficiently communicating valve-specific data and maintaining reliable operation, particularly in complex hydraulic systems where precise control and minimal error susceptibility are critical.
Innovation Solution
The integration of an electronic communication unit within the valve device, capable of bidirectional data communication with the control unit, enables efficient data exchange, reduces error susceptibility, and facilitates automated data transmission during maintenance or repairs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an electronic communication unit is integrated into the valve device, then data communication reliability is improved and maintenance effort is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The electronic communication unit is integrated directly into the valve device, merging communication functionality with the valve actuator. This eliminates separate communication hardware and reduces the number of connection points needed, as the same electrical connections serve both power and communication functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrical connections serving the coil are made multifunctional, carrying both power delivery and data communication tasks. This universal use of existing infrastructure avoids adding dedicated communication wiring, reducing overall system complexity while improving reliability through direct integration.
2Device complexity
If the communication unit is powered via the connection points using PWM signal, then additional power supply infrastructure is avoided, but the coil current required for valve actuation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The PWM signal connections are made universal, serving dual purposes of both actuating the valve coil and powering the communication unit. This eliminates the need for separate power supply infrastructure for the communication unit, as the same electrical pathways carry both functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The communication unit is designed to be self-powered by harvesting energy from the PWM signal already present in the system. The capacitor stores energy during PWM on-periods to supply power during off-periods, allowing the communication unit to operate autonomously without external power infrastructure.
3Reliability
If duty cycle is limited to ensure communication unit power supply, then communication unit operation is guaranteed, but valve actuation response time may be affected
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses periodic PWM signaling with carefully selected duty cycles that provide sufficient average power to the communication unit while maintaining adequate peak current capability for valve actuation. The periodic nature allows energy accumulation in the capacitor during on-periods to support communication operations during off-periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The duty cycle parameter is optimized to balance power delivery to the communication unit with sufficient current availability for valve actuation. By adjusting this single parameter, the system achieves reliable communication unit operation without requiring separate power infrastructure or sacrificing valve response capability.
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
This solution enhances the technical interaction between control units and valve devices, improving data communication reliability, reducing maintenance efforts, and ensuring precise control of valve behavior in hydraulic systems.
Implementation Method 1
The valve device (44-1, 44-2) has an electrical coil (48) for its valve actuation
Implementation Method 2
a capacitor (56b) connected in parallel to the coil (48) and a communication unit (54) are provided
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
Arrangement (40) for valve control with a control unit (42) and at least one valve device (44-1, 44-2) controllable by the control unit (42), which contains an electrical coil (48) for valve actuation, in whose supply lines (50a, 50b) a coil current (I_sp) can be generated depending on a PWM signal of the control unit (42). Here, the valve device (44-1, 44-2) has an electronic communication unit (54) which is electrically connected to the supply lines (50a, 50b) of the coil (48) by means of connection means (56a, 56b) for its power supply.