Valve Circuit Sensing for High-Frequency Flutter Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Valve flutter and chatter in pneumatic applications are difficult to capture due to their low magnitude and high frequency, making standard instrumentation and camera tools ineffective.

Innovation Solution

A system that measures valve flutter by creating an electrical circuit between a valve stop and a voltage source, using a meter to detect the open/closed status of the valve circuit based on electrical characteristics such as voltage drop, allowing for high-frequency and high-accuracy detection of valve positions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If standard instrumentation or camera tools are used to measure valve flutter, then the measurement system is simple and easy to implement, but the measurement precision is insufficient due to low sensitivity at high frequencies

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevalve flutter detection accuracyVSAvoidmeasurement system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical measurement instruments and camera tools with an electrical sensing system. The valve flap itself becomes part of an electrical circuit, where its position and movement are detected through changes in electrical continuity and voltage, enabling high-frequency detection without complex mechanical sensors

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an electrical circuit as an intermediary between the valve flap and the measurement system. By connecting the valve flap to a voltage source and measuring voltage changes, the system translates mechanical valve movement into electrical signals that can be precisely measured at high frequencies

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Speed

If standard instrumentation is used to capture valve flutter, then the device complexity is low, but the ability to detect high-frequency low-magnitude movements is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection response frequencyVSAvoidinstrumentation complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical sensors with an electrical sensing mechanism where the valve flap's movement directly modulates an electrical circuit. This substitution enables the system to respond to high-frequency movements because electrical circuits can change state instantaneously, unlike mechanical sensors with inherent response delays

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Measurement precision

If electrical circuit measurement is implemented to detect valve position, then the measurement precision and frequency response are improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional wiring and electrical components

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevalve position detection accuracyVSAvoidelectrical circuit complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the valve flap with the electrical circuit by making the valve flap itself a conductive element that forms part of the circuit path. This integration eliminates the need for separate sensors and wiring harnesses, as the valve's own structure serves as the sensing element

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The valve flap serves dual functions: it performs its primary valve control function while simultaneously acting as the sensing element for position detection. The valve's own movement and position generate the measurement signal, eliminating the need for external sensing mechanisms

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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

Enables precise detection of valve flutter and chatter by measuring electrical characteristics, providing binary position sensing and notification of deviations from predicted states, suitable for various valve types and configurations.

Implementation Method 1

a first wire configured to electrically connect a valve stop to a voltage source, a second wire configured to electrically connect a valve pin to a negative terminal of the voltage source

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Implementation Method 2

the meter can be configured to measure a voltage drop across the resistor (e.g., the valve) to determine whether the valve flap is in the fully open position based on the measured voltage drop compared to a known voltage of an open valve circuit

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVoltage measurement: Ohm's Law

Data Source

PatentUS12480598B2Systems and methods for determining valve flutter

Publication Date: 2025.11.25 HAMILTON SUNDSTRAND CORP

AI summary

In accordance with at least one aspect of this disclosure, a system includes a first wire configured to electrically connect a valve stop to a voltage source, a second wire configured to connect a valve pin to a negative terminal of the voltage source, such that the valve stop, and a valve flap operatively connected to the valve pin are configured to create a closed valve circuit when the valve flap is in a fully open position with the valve flap contacting the valve stop, and an open valve circuit when the valve flap is not in the fully open position. A meter is operatively connected to measure an electrical characteristic of the valve circuit to determine when the valve flap is in the fully open position based on an open/closed status of the valve circuit.