Shutoff Valve Assembly with Proximity Sensor for Vibration Resistance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Shutoff valves in fluid supply systems, particularly in harsh environments like those with combustible gases, face reliability issues due to vibration and temperature extremes, leading to performance degradation and false tripping over time.
Innovation Solution
A shutoff valve assembly with a robust sensing subsystem that includes a proximity sensor and a sensor target assembly, where the sensor target rotates in response to the valve member's movement, allowing for early detection of valve closure and minimizing the impact of vibrations through a stabilizer and vibration-limiting grommet, ensuring reliable operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a proximity sensor and sensor target assembly are used for valve state detection, then measurement precision and reliability are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical position detection mechanisms with a proximity sensor that uses electromagnetic fields to detect valve state. The sensor target rotates with the valve member, and the proximity sensor non-contactingly detects its position, eliminating the need for mechanical contacts and complex sensing mechanisms while improving reliability and measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor target assembly acts as an intermediary between the valve member and the proximity sensor. It transfers the rotational motion of the valve member to a form that the proximity sensor can detect, enabling indirect but reliable measurement of valve state without direct contact between the sensor and moving parts.
2Reliability
If the sensor target is located outside the valve housing, then the sensing subsystem becomes more reliable against vibration and temperature extremes, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the sensing function into two separate components: the sensor target assembly that rotates with the valve member inside or near the housing, and the proximity sensor that is mounted outside the valve housing. This segmentation allows the sensitive electronic sensor to be protected from harsh environmental conditions while still detecting valve state through the rotating target.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor target serves as an intermediary that bridges the gap between the valve mechanism and the protected sensor. It transmits motion information from the harsh environment to the protected sensor location, enabling reliable detection without exposing the sensor to damaging conditions.
3Reliability
If vibration-limiting measures such as grommets are added to the sensing subsystem, then reliability under vibration conditions improves, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates vibration-limiting grommets in the mounting structure of the proximity sensor and sensor target assembly. These cushioning elements are pre-installed to absorb and dampen vibrations before they can affect the sensitive sensing components, providing proactive protection against vibration-induced failures without requiring complex active vibration control systems.
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 enhances the reliability and durability of shutoff valves by reducing wear and false tripping, enabling precise monitoring of valve states and maintaining optimal engine operation even in harsh conditions.
Implementation Method 1
A proximity sensor is located outside of the valve housing and structured to produce a valve closing signal based on the rotation of the sensor target
Data Source
AI summary
A shutoff valve assembly for a fluid supply system includes a shutoff valve, with a valve member movable therein to shutoff fluid flow through a fluid conduit. The shutoff valve assembly includes a sensor target assembly with a sensor target located outside of the valve housing, and a rotator structured to transmit a rotation of the valve member within the valve housing to the sensor target. A proximity sensor is located outside of the valve housing and structured to produce a valve closing signal based on rotation of the sensor target that is indicative of initiating closing the shutoff valve. The design is adapted for relatively high temperature and high vibration environments.