Multi-position Valve Actuator Transit Time Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current multi-position valve actuators are complex and expensive, making them difficult to integrate into existing pool and spa automation systems, and lack the ability to dynamically adjust positions or stop at intermediate points between pre-set positions.
Innovation Solution
A cost-effective multi-position actuator system is created by coupling a two-position Jandy Valve Actuator (JVA) with an electronic controller that measures transit time between pre-set positions, allowing the actuator to stop at any desired position between the boundaries, using a firmware-containing printed circuit board (PCB) for control, and allowing for modular and backward-compatible installation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a two-position valve actuator with pre-set cams is used, then the actuator structure is simple and cost-effective, but the actuator cannot stop at intermediate positions or dynamically adjust positions during operation
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into two independent parts: the simple two-position actuator mechanism and the separate electronic controller with transit time measurement capability. This segmentation allows the actuator to gain multi-position functionality through the controller without adding mechanical complexity to the actuator itself.
Solution Approach 2:
The electronic controller acts as an intermediary between the operator's position commands and the physical actuator. It measures transit time to calculate intermediate positions and determines when to signal the actuator to stop, enabling dynamic position adjustment without modifying the actuator's mechanical structure.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a complex multi-position valve actuator with closed-loop control is used, then dynamic position adjustment is possible, but the actuator becomes expensive and difficult to integrate into existing automation systems
Solution Approach 1:
The electronic controller is designed to work with standard two-position actuators, making the solution universally applicable to existing systems. The transit time measurement approach is a general method that can be implemented with various actuator types without requiring proprietary closed-loop control mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using expensive, complex multi-position actuators, the invention uses a simple two-position actuator combined with a relatively inexpensive electronic controller. This approach trades a small amount of electronic complexity for significant reduction in overall system cost and improved compatibility.
Data Source
AI summary
Detailed are actuators especially useful in connection with valves forming parts of water-recirculation systems of pools or spas. Transit times of components of the actuators may be measured or otherwise determined and signals sent to the actuators to cease movement of the components between boundary positions. Consequently, dynamic adjustment of the valving capabilities of the systems may be achieved.