Modular Smart Solenoid Valve With Wireless Sensor Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional solenoid valves lack advanced monitoring and control features, and their integration with smart technologies is hindered by the need for electrical connections that can lead to operational issues and failures, especially in harsh environments.
Innovation Solution
A modular system for solenoid valves that includes sensors and wireless power reception, allowing for enhanced monitoring and control without the need for traditional electrical connections, transforming conventional solenoid valves into smart valves with improved communication and fail-safe features.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If sensors are embedded into the pressure containing vessel with electrical connections, then monitoring capability is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to increased chances for improper operation or failure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a magnetic field as an intermediary to transfer information from sensors in the pressure-containing vessel to the coil assembly. The sensors generate magnetic fields that couple magnetically with the coil assembly, allowing data transmission without physical electrical connections penetrating the pressure boundary. This resolves the contradiction by enabling monitoring capability while maintaining reliability through the magnetic field mediator.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/electrical connection system with a magnetic field-based communication system. Instead of running electrical cables from sensors through the pressure-containing vessel wall, the system uses magnetic coupling between the sensor assembly and coil assembly. This substitution eliminates the reliability issues associated with electrical connections while preserving monitoring functionality.
2Loss of information
If traditional electrical connections are used for sensor integration, then communication capability is improved, but device complexity increases due to the problematic umbilical cord between sections
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the electrical connection requirement from the sensor integration process. By placing sensors in the coil assembly rather than embedding them in the pressure-containing vessel with external connections, the problematic umbilical cord is eliminated. The sensors take out the need for penetrating electrical connections while maintaining communication capability through magnetic field coupling with the coil assembly.
3Device complexity
If solenoid valve is designed with isolated valve mechanism from coil, then magnetic field actuation is simplified, but control precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the sensor functions with the coil assembly by placing sensors directly in the coil assembly housing. This integration allows the sensors to detect parameters within the pressure-containing vessel while the coil assembly provides both the magnetic field for actuation and the housing for sensor placement. The merging of these functions enables precise control through better sensing capability while maintaining the magnetic field actuation mechanism.
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 accurate monitoring and control of fluid flow, pressure, and valve health, enhancing durability and reliability while reducing the risk of failures and allowing for compact, efficient integration with other fluid system components.
Implementation Method 1
a solenoid valve that utilizes a powered solenoid coil and related components to control fluid flow through the valve
Implementation Method 2
the only actuation coupling that exists between the coil and the valve mechanism may be the action of the magnetic field that the coil exerts on magnetically susceptible parts
Data Source
AI summary
A module for a solenoid valve can include a body having a module inlet, a module outlet, a flow path fluidically between the inlet and the outlet, a module orifice and a module valve seat fluidically disposed in the flow path, a reservoir disposed within the body, a sensor in sensing communication with the reservoir, a first coupler configured to couple with a solenoid actuator and a second coupler configured to couple with a valve body. The flow path can include an inlet flow path from the module inlet to the module orifice and an outlet flow path from the module orifice to the module outlet. The reservoir can be in fluid communication with at least one of the inlet flow path and the outlet flow path. The module outlet can be disposed in fluid communication with the second coupler and configured to sealingly engage a valve seat.