Valve Shaft Angle Sensing Using a Conductive Coil Spring
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional valve devices with rotation angle detectors become oversized and complicated due to the need for rotary and fixed conductive members to detect rotation positions.
Innovation Solution
A valve device configuration using an electrically conductive coil spring and a conductive member that faces the coil spring in a radial direction, detecting rotation angles based on electrostatic capacitance or inductance changes, eliminating the need for additional conductive members and simplifying the design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a rotation angle detector with rotary conductive member and fixed conductive member is used to detect rotation position, then the rotation angle can be detected, but the valve device becomes oversized and complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the detection function into the existing coil spring by making the coil spring itself electrically conductive. The coil spring serves both its original mechanical function (providing restoring force) and the new sensing function (detecting rotation angle through capacitance or inductance changes), thereby eliminating the need for separate rotary and fixed conductive members.
Solution Approach 2:
The coil spring is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it provides the mechanical restoring force for the throttle valve and also serves as the sensing element for rotation angle detection. This multi-functionality reduces the overall component count and simplifies the device structure while maintaining detection capability.
2Measurement precision
If additional rotary conductive member and fixed conductive member are added for rotation detection, then rotation position can be detected, but the device size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The detection functionality is merged into the existing coil spring structure. By utilizing the coil spring's own electrical properties (capacitance or inductance) and its geometric changes during rotation, the patent eliminates the need for additional conductive members that would increase device area.
Solution Approach 2:
The coil spring serves itself by using its own structural changes during rotation to generate the detection signal. The change in capacitance or inductance is produced by the coil spring's own movement and geometry, eliminating the need for external sensing components that would occupy additional space.
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
This configuration allows accurate detection of rotation angles without increasing the device's complexity or size, enhancing precision and reducing unnecessary components.
Implementation Method 1
a first detector configured to detect at least one of a rotation angle of the valve body or a rotation angle of the valve shaft based on an electrostatic capacitance between the coil spring and the first conductive member, the electrostatic capacitance changing according to a state of the coil spring that changes with the rotation of the valve body and the valve shaft
Implementation Method 2
a second detector configured to detect at least one of a rotation angle of the valve body or a rotation angle of the valve shaft based on an inductance of the coil spring, the inductance changing according to a state of the coil spring that changes with the rotation of the valve body and the valve shaft
Data Source
AI summary
A valve device that includes a valve body; a valve shaft configured to rotate the valve body; a coil spring being electrically conductive and configured to be twisted with rotation of the valve body and the valve shaft; a first conductive member being electrically conductive and facing an inner circumferential surface or an outer circumferential surface of the coil spring in a radial direction of the coil spring; and a first detector configured to detect at least one of a rotation angle of the valve body or a rotation angle of the valve shaft based on an electrostatic capacitance between the coil spring and the first conductive member, the electrostatic capacitance changing according to a state of the coil spring that changes with the rotation of the valve body and the valve shaft.