Valve Actuator with Pressure Feedback for Diaphragm Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current valve systems in fluid circuits, particularly in dialysis machines, lack a consistent and reliable mechanism for controlling the actuator position due to changes in the diaphragm material caused by sterilization, temperature exposure, and pressure fluctuations, leading to incomplete shut-off of fluid flow.
Innovation Solution
A valve actuator system with a displacement member, motor, pressure sensor, and controller that uses feedback from pressure or force sensors to optimally position the actuator against the diaphragm, ensuring precise control and maintaining valve closure despite material changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the actuator is moved to the same position to close the valve, then the valve closure is achieved initially, but over time the diaphragm material softens and thins causing incomplete shut-off of fluid flow
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a pressure sensor positioned on the contact end of the actuator to detect pressure generated when the actuator contacts the diaphragm. This pressure feedback is relayed to a controller that compares it to a pre-determined value and adjusts the actuator position accordingly. This closed-loop feedback mechanism compensates for diaphragm material changes over time, maintaining reliable valve closure despite the diaphragm softening and thinning due to sterilization, temperature exposure, and pressure fluctuations.
2Measurement precision
If optical sensors are used to determine valve state, then the open or closed state can be detected, but there is no consistent mechanism for controlling actuator position amidst diaphragm changes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces open-loop optical sensing with closed-loop pressure feedback control. The pressure sensor on the actuator contact end provides real-time pressure data to the controller, which automatically adjusts the actuator position to maintain optimal contact with the diaphragm. This feedback mechanism ensures both precise valve state determination and consistent actuator positioning despite diaphragm material changes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes optical sensing alone with a pressure-based feedback control system. Instead of relying solely on optical detection of valve state, the system uses pressure sensing at the actuator-diaphragm interface to directly control actuator positioning. This mechanical pressure feedback provides more reliable control for maintaining valve closure compared to optical methods alone.
3Reliability
If the actuator advances further into the diaphragm to achieve complete shut-off, then valve closure is achieved, but the system becomes less efficient and may damage the diaphragm
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure sensor provides real-time feedback on the contact force between the actuator and diaphragm. The controller uses this pressure information to determine the optimal actuator position that achieves complete valve shut-off without excessive advancement. This prevents diaphragm damage while maintaining reliable closure, improving system efficiency by avoiding unnecessary actuator travel and energy consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the actuator position parameter based on pressure feedback rather than using a fixed position. The controller modifies the actuator's displacement to maintain optimal contact pressure, achieving complete shut-off efficiency while preventing diaphragm damage from excessive force or over-travel.
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
The system provides accurate and reliable valve control by continuously monitoring pressure or force, making real-time adjustments to maintain valve closure, even as the diaphragm material softens or changes, ensuring complete shut-off and efficient fluid management.
Implementation Method 1
at least one pressure sensor positioned on said contact end for sensing pressure generated when said contact end is in physical communication with said orifice closing member
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method of monitoring and controlling the open and close states of a manifold diaphragm type valve includes using an actuator mechanism with feedback control. A pressure transducer and/or force gauge located on the contact end of the actuator mechanism monitors the pressure and/or force applied to the end of the actuator mechanism. A controller instructs the actuator mechanism to move forward or backward an appropriate distance based on the monitored pressure and/or force. Temperature and pressure changes in the system and material changes to the diaphragm are sensed immediately and positioning correction is applied to the actuator in real-time, thereby maintaining the same valve state while monitoring pressure separately. The linear actuator functions as a ‘smart’ actuator, capable of fine tune adjustments without additional outside monitoring and providing a more accurate and reliable method of closing the valve in a dynamic environment.