Two-Wire Flow Meter Circuit for Solenoid Valve Feedback
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid control systems, such as irrigation systems, face inefficiencies due to the need for manual observation to detect issues like valve and pipe failures, which can lead to costly delays in water loss and reduced plant growth potential, and the deterrent of additional wiring required for installing flow meters.
Innovation Solution
A circuit architecture that allows flow meters to be integrated with solenoid valves using only two connecting wires, enabling pulse information transmission between a flow pulse transmitter and receiver, allowing for flow detection and system management without additional wiring.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If wired flow meters are installed in an existing irrigation system, then flow detection capability is improved, but additional wiring is required which increases system complexity and installation cost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the flow meter and solenoid valve into a single integrated unit that shares a common wire connection. The flow meter circuit and solenoid valve circuit are merged to use the same two wires for both power/control and flow pulse signal transmission, eliminating the need for separate wiring for the flow meter.
Solution Approach 2:
The two wires serve multiple functions simultaneously: they provide power to the solenoid valve, carry control signals to open/close the valve, and transmit flow pulse signals from the flow meter to the controller. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for dedicated separate wiring for flow measurement.
2Reliability
If manual observation is used to detect system failures, then system cost is reduced, but detection time delay increases leading to water loss and reduced plant growth potential
Solution Approach 1:
The flow meter provides continuous feedback to the controller about actual water flow through pulse signals. The controller monitors these pulses to detect abnormalities such as valve failures (where pulses should occur but don't), pipe bursts (excessive pulses), or clogged sprinklers (insufficient pulses), enabling immediate detection and response to system problems.
Data Source
AI summary
A circuit that can be used to add a flow meter to an existing set of wires that connects a controller to an electric valve. The circuit does not require the need to run additional wiring from the controller to the valve and flow meter. The circuit creates pulses of current with a rate that is proportional to the flow, which are then transmitted to a receiver and converted to a flow measurement output to the user by a controller.