Steam Trap Sensor Terminal Wireless Setup
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing valve-member monitoring systems require significant time and effort to determine which operating-condition sensors should be connected to the terminal device, considering factors like layout, distance, and obstructions, making the setup process cumbersome.
Innovation Solution
A valve-member monitoring system where operating-condition sensors attached to each valve member on a manifold are connected to a terminal device, facilitating efficient setup by reducing the complexity of sensor connections through a rational structure and radio communication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If operating-condition sensors are connected to the terminal device individually based on layout and distance considerations, then the system can achieve reliable sensor-terminal communication, but the determination process requires considerable time and effort
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the monitoring function by attaching an operating-condition sensor to each valve member individually. Each sensor independently monitors its associated valve member and communicates with the terminal device, eliminating the need for complex centralized connection determination while maintaining reliable communication for each segmented unit.
Solution Approach 2:
Each operating-condition sensor automatically establishes communication with the terminal device based on its attachment to a valve member on the manifold. The sensor self-configures its connection without requiring manual determination of layout, distance, or obstructions, thereby reducing installation time while ensuring reliable communication.
2Ease of operation
If a complex connection determination process is used to account for layout and obstructions, then optimal sensor-terminal communication can be achieved, but the construction process becomes cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The terminal device is designed with universal communication capability to receive signals from any operating-condition sensor attached to any valve member on the manifold. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for complex connection determination, as the terminal device can universally communicate with all sensors through the shared manifold structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The manifold serves as an intermediary structure that physically connects all valve members and their associated operating-condition sensors to the terminal device. This intermediate manifold structure simplifies the connection architecture, allowing sensors to connect to the terminal device through the manifold without requiring complex direct connection determination.
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 approach significantly reduces the time and effort required for determining sensor connections, streamlining the construction of the valve-member monitoring system and enhancing its operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a sensor controlling terminal device that exchanges information by radio with a central control apparatus
Data Source
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AI summary
Construction of a valve-member monitoring system using wireless communication. The valve-member monitoring system is structured with operating-condition sensors (7) each attached to each of multiple steam traps (1) installed on a manifold. The manifold serves as a discharged condensate collecting pipe (2) in which condensate is discharged through the multiple steam traps. The valve-member monitoring system further includes a sensor controlling terminal device that is attached to the manifold or in the vicinity of the manifold and exchanges information by radio with a central control apparatus (8). In the valve-member monitoring system, the terminal device is connected to the operating-condition sensors each attached to each of the steam traps installed on the manifold with lead lines (10). This reduces time and effort required to determine which operating-condition sensors are to be connected to the terminal device, and therefore facilitates the construction of the valve-member monitoring system.