Valve Actuator Position Display Using Rotating Graphic Elements
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for displaying the actuating position of an actuator, such as valves, are inefficient in terms of space usage and clarity, particularly in representing the open and closed positions, and can be ambiguous due to linear representations and varying closing behaviors.
Innovation Solution
A method where a graphic element is displayed rotated about an axis on a display unit, utilizing minimal space, with 90° and 180° symmetry to clearly indicate positions and movements, and a microprocessor calculates the rotated image for display on a liquid crystal screen, allowing for easy determination of valve positions and handling of opposite closing behaviors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a linear bar is used to display valve position, then the display can show progressive opening/closing, but it requires more space and is less intuitive for determining exact positions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the traditional linear display into a rotational display where the graphic element rotates around a central axis. This dimensional change from linear to angular representation allows the full range of valve positions to be displayed in a compact circular area, improving space efficiency while maintaining position determination accuracy through the rotational angle.
Solution Approach 2:
The display uses a circular/spherical arrangement with the graphic element rotating around a central axis. This curved/rotational geometry replaces the linear bar, allowing the display to convey positional information more intuitively through rotation while occupying minimal display space.
2Loss of information
If additional markings are added to indicate open and closed positions, then position clarity improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs different colors for the graphic element and the stationary markings (e.g., colored vs. uncolored segments). This color differentiation provides clear visual cues for open and closed positions without requiring additional complex graphical elements, maintaining simplicity while improving information clarity.
Solution Approach 2:
The stationary markings are pre-configured on the display to indicate specific positions (open, closed, intermediate). This preliminary setup eliminates the need for dynamic addition of markers during operation, reducing complexity while ensuring clear position information is always available.
3Area of stationary object
If the graphic element rotates to show position, then space efficiency and intuitiveness improve, but processing requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The display is segmented into a finite number of discrete positions around the rotation circle. This segmentation allows the system to process only the current position index rather than continuous coordinates, reducing computational requirements while maintaining the rotational display's space efficiency and intuitiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a simplified graphical representation (graphic element) that is rotated to indicate position, rather than rendering complex detailed images. This copying approach with simplified graphics reduces processing power requirements while maintaining effective communication of valve position information.
4Measurement precision
If 90° rotation is used to map travel path, then ambiguity is reduced, but adaptability to different valve types decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The display system dynamically adapts the rotational direction (clockwise or counterclockwise) based on the specific valve type and its closing behavior. This dynamic configuration allows the same 90° rotation mapping to work accurately for different valve types, maintaining position precision while improving versatility through programmable adaptability.
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4~5
Figure 6
AI summary
The invention relates to a display unit (6) which is designed to display a current actuating position of an actuating drive (1) coupled to a valve (3) of a fitting by means of a variable graphical element (7), wherein the graphical element (7) is shown rotated by a corresponding rotation angle in reaction to a sensor (5) with which the current actuation position is determined.