Valve Actuator Stroke Recognition for Automatic Valve Type Matching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current actuator systems for controlling valves in fluid distribution systems require manual setting based on valve type, leading to potential improper sealing, damage, or incorrect flow control if settings are not appropriately matched, due to variations in valve dimensions and characteristics.
Innovation Solution
An actuator that automatically determines the type of valve by measuring the maximum allowable stroke of its spindle and comparing it to pre-programmed reference values, allowing it to adapt its operation mode for different valve types, including those with varying flow capacities and hydronic functions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If manual setting is used for actuator based on valve type, then the actuator can be operated with simple structure, but improper sealing or damage may occur if settings are not appropriately matched
Solution Approach 1:
The actuator automatically determines the valve type by measuring the stroke length of the valve rod and comparing it with reference values stored in memory. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for manual configuration while ensuring reliable sealing performance through automatic adaptation to different valve types.
Solution Approach 2:
Reference values for different valve types are pre-stored in the actuator's memory during manufacturing. When the actuator is installed, it automatically retrieves and compares these reference values with the actual measured stroke length to determine the correct valve type, performing the configuration action before operation begins.
2Device complexity
If manual configuration is required for different valve types, then the actuator can be designed with simpler control logic, but loss of time occurs during setup and configuration
Solution Approach 1:
The actuator autonomously performs valve type determination by measuring the valve rod stroke and comparing it with pre-stored reference values. This eliminates the time-consuming manual configuration process while the control logic remains relatively simple, as it only needs to implement measurement, comparison, and mode selection functions.
Solution Approach 2:
All reference values for different valve types are pre-loaded into the actuator's memory during manufacturing. This preliminary preparation allows the actuator to instantly determine valve type during installation without requiring manual lookup or configuration time, significantly reducing setup time.
3Device complexity
If actuator settings are manually adjusted for each valve type, then the system can operate with basic components, but improper flow control may result from incorrect settings
Solution Approach 1:
The actuator automatically identifies the valve type through stroke length measurement and selects the appropriate operating parameters from pre-stored data. This self-service capability ensures accurate flow control for different valve types without requiring complex manual adjustment procedures or additional components.
Solution Approach 2:
Operating parameters for accurate flow control are pre-configured in the actuator's memory for each valve type. The preliminary storage of these precise parameters enables the actuator to immediately apply the correct settings once valve type is determined, ensuring manufacturing precision in flow control without adding system complexity.
4Reliability
If the actuator automatically determines valve type by measuring stroke length, then the sealing performance and flow control are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The actuator incorporates a valve type determination device that uses the existing valve rod stroke length as a identifying feature. By leveraging this inherent mechanical parameter, the system achieves improved sealing performance through automatic adaptation without requiring additional sensors or complex identification mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The actuator determines valve type by measuring changes in the stroke length parameter of the valve rod. This approach uses a simple measurable parameter (displacement) to trigger automatic configuration, improving reliability while minimizing the addition of complex components. The control unit simply compares the measured parameter against pre-stored reference values.
Data Source
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Figure 1b
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AI summary
A method for valve type recognition of a valve connected to an actuator, said valve being one of a first valve type and a second or further valve type. The actuator comprises an actuator spindle which can be operatively connected to a valve rod. If the maximum allowable stroke of the actuator spindle is the same, or smaller than, a reference value then it is determined that the valve connected to the actuator is of the first valve type. If the maximum allowable stroke is larger than said reference value, the valve is determined to be of the second valve type. An actuator is provided for use in such a method.