Valve Shaft Angle Sensing Using a Conductive Coil Spring
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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 facing its surface to detect 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, then rotation position can be detected, but the valve device becomes oversized and complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the return spring function with the rotation angle detection function by making the return spring electrically conductive and using it as one of the conductive members in the detection system. This integration eliminates the need for separate rotary and fixed conductive members, reducing device complexity while maintaining detection precision
Solution Approach 2:
The return spring serves dual purposes: it provides the mechanical return force for the valve body and simultaneously acts as a conductive member for rotation angle detection. This multi-functionality reduces the number of components needed in the valve device
2Measurement precision
If additional conductive members are added for rotation detection, then detection capability is improved, but the device size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The detection system utilizes the existing return spring as a conductive member, merging the detection functionality into the existing mechanical structure rather than adding separate detection components, thereby avoiding increase in device volume
Solution Approach 2:
The return spring serves itself by providing both its traditional mechanical function and the additional function of rotation angle detection through its electrical conductivity, eliminating the need for separate detection components that would increase device size
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.