Valve Control Device for Tyre Vulcanising Press Temperature Regulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The high costs and increased manufacturing effort associated with complex fluid line systems due to the excessive use of control valves, particularly in branched systems, lead to inconsistent temperature control and reduced system accuracy.
Innovation Solution
A valve control device with a central control unit that allows for electrical, pneumatic, or hydraulic control of multiple valves, featuring primary and secondary lines with switching and control valves, enabling precise temperature regulation through a P, PI, or PID controller, and using stainless steel components to prevent cavitation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If control valves are used in each control loop of branched fluid lines, then precise temperature control can be achieved, but manufacturing costs and device complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the fluid distribution system into primary lines with switching valves for on/off control and secondary lines with control valves for precise flow regulation. This segmentation allows different control strategies to be applied at different levels of the distribution hierarchy, reducing the total number of control valves needed while maintaining temperature control accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediate switching valves in primary lines that act as mediators between the central fluid supply and individual control loops. These switching valves can aggregate or redirect fluid flow to multiple secondary lines, reducing the need for separate control valves in each loop while maintaining precise temperature control through the combination of switching and control valve operations.
2Ease of manufacture
If the number of control loops is reduced to lower costs, then investment expenses decrease, but temperature accuracy cannot be guaranteed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the valve control system with multi-functional capability where switching valves can serve multiple secondary lines simultaneously, and control valves can regulate flow to multiple primary lines. This universality allows a reduced number of control loops to maintain temperature accuracy across multiple heating circuits by dynamically allocating fluid flow resources.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic control where the opening states of switching valves and control valves are continuously adjusted based on temperature sensor feedback and setpoint comparisons. This dynamic allocation of fluid flow allows the system to maintain temperature accuracy even with fewer control loops by optimally distributing available fluid resources to where they are most needed.
3Ease of manufacture
If switching valves are used in primary lines instead of control valves, then manufacturing costs are reduced, but fluid flow control precision decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the valve functions into two types: switching valves for binary on/off control in primary lines, and control valves for continuous flow regulation in secondary lines. This segmentation allows the system to use cheaper switching valves where full precision is not needed while maintaining overall flow control precision through the combination with control valves in secondary lines.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces expensive control valves with simpler switching valves in primary lines, substituting a continuous regulation mechanism with a discrete on/off mechanism. The precision previously provided by control valves in primary lines is compensated by control valves in secondary lines and by the coordinated operation of both valve types under central control.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a valve control device (1), wherein the valves (6, 10) are arranged in the region of pipes for a fluid, wherein at least two valves (6) are in the form of switching valves, each arranged in the region of a primary pipe (3), wherein at least one third valve (6) is in the form of a regulating valve (10), wherein at least one regulating valve (10) is arranged in at least one secondary supply pipe (7), wherein at least one branching point is arranged downstream of the at least one regulating valve (10), wherein at least two secondary pipes (8) extend downstream from the branching point, wherein each secondary pipe (8) has at least one valve (6) in the form of a switching valve and wherein the valves (6, 10) are connected to a control unit (2) and the function of the valves (6) can be controlled using the control unit (2). The invention also relates to a valve control method.