Electromagnetic Valve Identification via Control Line Modulation

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing fluidic systems face complexity in identifying components due to cumbersome reading of type plates, especially in large systems, and require additional components or lines for wireless transmission of identification data.

Innovation Solution

The use of existing control lines for both actuating and transmitting identification data from an integrated memory in electromagnetic valves, utilizing a modulator device connected to a microcontroller for convenient data storage and transmission, with a voltage supply module ensuring data transmission even when the valve is switched off.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of information

If type plates are used for component identification, then identification is possible, but reading becomes very complex and cumbersome in large systems

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveidentification data accessibilityVSAvoidreading complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical/visual reading process of type plates with an electronic data transmission system. The modulator device converts identification data into modulated signals that can be read electronically, substituting the manual visual inspection process with an automated electronic reading mechanism.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a modulator device as an intermediary between the identification data stored in the valve and the control device. This modulator converts the identification data into modulated control signals that can be transmitted through the existing control lines, serving as a mediator that enables data transmission without direct connection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If wireless transmission of identification data is implemented, then reading becomes easier, but additional components and lines are required

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata reading easeVSAvoidadditional components
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the existing control lines serve dual functions: actuating the electromagnetic valve and transmitting identification data. The control lines are designed to be universal, handling both power/control signals and data transmission, thereby eliminating the need for separate data transmission lines.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges the data transmission function with the existing control system. The modulator device combines the identification data with the control signals, and both are transmitted through the same control lines, merging two functions into a single integrated system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Loss of information

If additional lines are installed for data transmission, then data can be transmitted, but system complexity and installation effort increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata transmission capabilityVSAvoidinstallation effort
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The control lines are designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously - actuating the electromagnetic valve and transmitting identification data. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for additional installation of separate data lines, reducing installation effort while maintaining data transmission capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 efficient and wireless reading of identification data without additional lines, facilitating easy replacement, maintenance, and troubleshooting by integrating data storage and transmission into the existing electromagnetic valve setup.

Implementation Method 1

an electromagnetic valve (10) which is connected to a control and/or communication device (13) via only two control lines (11, 12), with the control lines (11, 12) being connected to inputs (15, 16) of the electromagnetic valve (10)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

A modulator device (17) integrated in the electromagnetic valve (10) consists of a modulator (19) connected to a microcontroller (18)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSignal modulation: Phase Modulation

Data Source

PatentEP2053254B1Fluid valve assembly with at least one electromagnetic valve and an identification data containing device
Publication Date: 2010.03.17 FESTO AG & CO KG
  • EP2053254B1 patent drawingFigure 1

AI summary

The assembly has an electronic memory e.g. electrically erasable programmable ROM, integrated in an electromagnetic valve (10) for storing identification data of the electromagnetic valve. A modulator device (17) is provided at control lines (11, 12) for modulating the data of the electromagnetic valve. A control and/or communication device (13) includes a demodulation device (24) for demodulating the modulated data. A magnetic coil (14) of the electromagnetic valve is connected with the communication device over the control lines.