Smart Flow Valve Feedback Control for Leak-Safe Pressure Regulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing flow control valves lack efficient real-time control mechanisms for regulating flow rates and differential pressures, leading to potential water leakage and unintentional valve openings due to power fluctuations.
Innovation Solution
A flow control smart valve system comprising an opening/closing unit and a drive unit, with a controller that receives measurement values to determine the optimal position of the elevating part within the flow path, preventing unintentional openings and ensuring precise control of fluid flow by using a power supply part and display components for data output.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional flow control valve is used, then the structure is simple, but the control precision and reliability are insufficient leading to water leakage and unintentional openings
Solution Approach 1:
The valve is divided into two independent parts: a drive unit that receives power and control signals, and a opening/closing unit that physically controls fluid flow. This segmentation allows the control function to be enhanced with sensors and controllers while keeping the flow control mechanism simple and reliable.
Solution Approach 2:
A sensor detects the actual position of the opening/closing unit and provides feedback to the controller. The controller compares this feedback with the target position and adjusts the drive unit accordingly, creating a closed-loop control system that prevents unintentional openings and ensures reliable valve operation.
2Measurement precision
If real-time control mechanisms are added to improve flow rate and differential pressure regulation, then control precision improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical measurement mechanisms with electronic sensors that detect flow rate and differential pressure. These sensors provide precise real-time data to the controller, achieving high measurement precision without adding complex mechanical structures to the valve itself.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller serves multiple functions: it receives sensor data, processes control signals, drives the opening/closing unit, and prevents unintentional openings. This multi-functionality consolidates control capabilities into a single component, improving measurement precision without proportionally increasing overall system complexity.
3Extent of automation
If power supply components and control mechanisms are integrated, then automatic control capability improves, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The valve is designed as modular components that can be manufactured separately and assembled. The drive unit with power supply and control circuitry is manufactured independently from the opening/closing unit, allowing each part to be optimized for its specific manufacturing process and then easily assembled together.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller automatically monitors sensor feedback and adjusts the opening/closing unit without external intervention. This self-service capability achieves high automation while simplifying manufacturing, as the system configures and regulates itself once assembled without requiring complex pre-programming or calibration procedures.
Data Source
AI summary
A flow control smart valve and a flow control system using the same, including an opening/closing unit disposed inside a flow path and selectively passing a fluid, and a drive unit coupled with the opening/closing unit to control a position of the opening/closing unit in the flow path.