Valve Position Detection Using Current Profiles Without Switches
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing valve control systems rely on position indicating switches, which are costly and prone to failure due to environmental conditions and tampering, necessitating a solution that can detect valve positions without switches and adapt to aging and tampering.
Innovation Solution
A switchless valve control system that uses current magnitude measurements and current profile analytics to detect valve positions, with a learning algorithm that adapts to new valve performance, allowing the system to recognize end positions and further states through physical signals like time, current, and voltage, and incorporates a driver actuated by an electrical current to control the valve.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If position indicating switches are used to detect valve positions, then position detection accuracy is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the position indicating switches from the valve assembly, extracting the problematic component that caused complexity and reliability issues. Instead, it uses the existing driver's current measurements to infer valve position, achieving accurate detection without the physical switches.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/electrical switch-based position detection system with an electronic measurement system. By substituting physical switches with current magnitude measurements and profile analytics, the system achieves position detection without mechanical contact points, reducing complexity and failure points.
2Reliability
If position indicating switches are used to detect valve positions, then position detection is reliable, but reliability decreases due to environmental conditions and tampering
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the vulnerable position indicating switches that were exposed to environmental conditions and tampering. By eliminating these external components, the system removes the attack surface and environmental vulnerability points, achieving inherent protection against these harmful factors.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the driver's own current measurements, which are already being taken for control purposes, to also determine valve position. This self-service approach means no additional sensors or external components are needed, and the system uses its existing operational data to achieve position detection without additional vulnerability points.
3Measurement precision
If position indicating switches are used, then position detection is accurate, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the current measurement system serve multiple functions: it controls the valve operation and simultaneously detects the valve position. By making the driver's current measurements multi-functional, the system eliminates the need for separate position detection hardware, achieving cost reduction without sacrificing detection accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the position detection function with the existing driver control function. Instead of having separate components for control and position detection, the system combines these functions by using the driver's current measurements for both control and position inference, reducing overall system cost.
Data Source
AI summary
A valve without position indicating switches. Positions of the valve are detected from current magnitude measurements and current profile analytics. The current profile may be learned initially and relearned and adapted at each operation. The valve may be opened and closed by a driver that is actuated by an electrical current to control the opening and closing of the valve. The current may be regulated by a controller to open and close the valve appropriately.