Ultrasonic Shut-Off Valve Position Sensing in Fluid Flow
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing shut-off devices for fluids face challenges in reliably determining the position of the blocking body, which is crucial for secure and fail-safe operation, especially when controlled automatically, due to indirect and potentially faulty position assessment methods.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating an ultrasonic measuring device within the shut-off device to directly measure the position of the blocking body by emitting and detecting signals, allowing for precise determination of the blocking body's position and movement, with options for evaluating signal intensity, transit time, or frequency changes, and using a calibration path to determine acoustic velocity for improved accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If indirect position assessment methods (actuating device protrusion, displacement transducer, encoder) are used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the measurement precision and reliability of blocking body position determination deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces indirect mechanical position assessment methods (actuating device protrusion, displacement transducer, encoder) with direct acoustic measurement using an ultrasonic measuring device. The ultrasonic device emits sound waves that reflect off the blocking body, providing direct and reliable position determination without complex mechanical components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an ultrasonic measuring device as an intermediary between the blocking body and the measurement system. The ultrasonic device emits sound waves that travel through the fluid medium to reach the blocking body and reflect back, serving as a mediator that enables direct position measurement without direct mechanical contact or complex sensing mechanisms.
2Device complexity
If indirect position assessment methods are used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability of position determination deteriorates due to potential faults in actuating devices and sensors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces unreliable indirect mechanical position assessment methods with direct acoustic measurement. The ultrasonic measuring device provides reliable position determination by measuring the time of flight of sound waves reflected from the blocking body, eliminating dependencies on fault-prone mechanical actuating devices and electronic sensors.
Solution Approach 2:
The ultrasonic measuring device performs self-validation by measuring the round-trip time of sound waves. The system inherently verifies its own measurements through the consistency of acoustic propagation time, providing reliable position determination without requiring external validation from potentially faulty mechanical or electronic components.
3Measurement precision
If direct ultrasonic measurement of blocking body position is implemented, then the measurement precision and reliability are improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional ultrasonic components
Solution Approach 1:
The ultrasonic measuring device serves multiple functions: it measures the position of the blocking body, determines the flow velocity of the fluid through calibration paths, and provides diagnostic information about system operation. This multi-functionality justifies the added complexity by delivering comprehensive measurement capabilities from a single integrated device.
Solution Approach 2:
The ultrasonic measuring device acts as an intermediary that interfaces with the existing shut-off device structure without requiring major modifications. The device can be integrated into the housing and uses the existing fluid flow path and blocking body geometry, minimizing additional complexity while achieving direct position measurement.
4Reliability
If ultrasonic measuring device is added to directly measure blocking body position, then the reliability of position determination is improved, but the manufacturing cost increases due to additional components
Solution Approach 1:
The ultrasonic measuring device provides multiple measurement functions (blocking body position, flow velocity, diagnostic information) that replace or supplement multiple separate systems, potentially reducing overall system cost despite the addition of ultrasonic components. The single device delivers comprehensive measurement capabilities that would otherwise require multiple mechanical and electronic 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
Enhances the reliability of blocking body position determination, enabling more accurate control and diagnosis of the shut-off device, reducing the risk of malfunctions and improving operational safety by providing direct and precise measurement of the blocking body's position and movement.
Implementation Method 1
an ultrasonic measuring device is arranged in or aligned on the housing such that the position of the blocking body can be determined by means of the ultrasonic measuring device
Implementation Method 2
the transmitted signal is reflected at the blocking body due to the orientation of the ultrasonic measuring device
Implementation Method 3
the control and/or evaluation unit detects the reflected signal and evaluates this reflected signal, whereby the position of the blocking body and/or the change in the position of the blocking body is determined
Implementation Method 4
a calibration measuring path (17) is formed in the flow channel (4) for determining the acoustic velocity in the fluid conducted in the housing (2)
Data Source
AI summary
A shut-off device for a fluid includes a housing conducting the fluid, an inflow opening provided in the housing, an outflow opening provided in the housing, a flow channel formed in the housing between the inflow opening and the outflow opening, and a blocking device arranged in the flow channel. The blocking device has a blocking body receptacle and a blocking body movable in the blocking body receptacle. The flow cross-section for the fluid in the blocking device, and thus in the flow channel, can be changed by moving the blocking body in the blocking body receptacle. A reliable detection of the position of the blocking body is ensured in that an ultrasonic measuring device is arranged in or aligned on the housing such that the position of the blocking body can be determined by means of the ultrasonic measuring device.