Valve Characteristic Curve Switching for Precise Flow Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing valve arrangements face challenges in achieving precise flow control without feedback, leading to increased power consumption and wear due to repeated adjustments, and often require recalibration using unsuitable characteristic curves across the range of valve opening degrees.
Innovation Solution
A valve arrangement with a flow control section and pressure control section that modifies the basic characteristic curve to a modified characteristic curve when the difference between the flow set-value and actual flow exceeds a threshold, maintaining constant pressure and adjusting the opening degree only when necessary, thereby reducing frequent adjustments and energy consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If continuous feedback control is implemented to correct flow settings, then flow accuracy is improved, but power consumption and valve wear increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic calibration at predetermined time intervals instead of continuous feedback control. The control means compares actual flow with set flow and modifies the characteristic curve only at these periodic intervals, eliminating the need for continuous power consumption while maintaining flow accuracy over time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary calibration by storing multiple characteristic curves in advance and selecting the appropriate one based on predetermined criteria (time intervals, flow differences). This preliminary preparation of calibration data allows the system to operate without continuous active correction, reducing power consumption while maintaining accuracy.
2Measurement precision
If frequent adjustments are made to maintain flow accuracy, then flow control precision is improved, but valve wear increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent reduces valve wear by implementing periodic calibration at predetermined time intervals rather than frequent continuous adjustments. The control means only modifies the characteristic curve when the predetermined time interval elapses or when flow deviation exceeds a threshold, significantly reducing the number of valve adjustments and extending service life.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary calibration by storing multiple characteristic curves in advance. This allows the system to switch between pre-calibrated curves based on operating conditions rather than making frequent real-time adjustments, reducing mechanical wear on the valve while maintaining precision.
3Device complexity
If a single basic characteristic curve is used for the entire valve opening range, then device complexity is reduced, but flow accuracy deteriorates when the curve is not suitable for the current operating range
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the characteristic curve into multiple distinct curves stored in the control means, each suitable for different valve opening ranges or operating conditions. The control means selects the appropriate characteristic curve based on the current operating range, maintaining high flow accuracy without requiring a complex continuously adjustable system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a dynamic selection mechanism that automatically switches between different characteristic curves based on predetermined criteria such as valve opening degree ranges or flow deviation thresholds. This dynamic adaptation maintains flow accuracy across varying operating conditions while keeping the underlying control structure relatively simple.
4Adaptability or versatility
If recalibration is performed by switching to a different stored characteristic curve, then adaptation to new operating conditions is achieved, but the selected curve may not be optimal for the specific current range
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic evaluation criteria that assess which stored characteristic curve is most suitable for the current operating conditions before selection. The control means compares actual flow with set flow and uses predetermined criteria (time intervals, flow differences, opening degree ranges) to dynamically select the optimal curve, ensuring both adaptability and maintained flow accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies operating parameters (such as the selected characteristic curve) based on changes in operating conditions. By monitoring parameters like valve opening degree, flow deviation, and time intervals, the system dynamically adjusts which characteristic curve is active, ensuring optimal performance across different operating ranges while maintaining flow accuracy.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3a~3b
AI summary
Valve arrangement (1) comprising a flow control section (3) having a basic characteristic curve (16B) representing a relation between a flow and an opening degree of the flow control section (3), a pressure control section (4) keeping constant a pressure over the flow control section (3), control means (7) having a flow set-value input (8) and controlling an opening degree of the flow control section (3) depending on a flow set-value received via the flow set-value input (8), and a flow meter (9) measuring an actual value of flow through the flow control section (3), wherein the basic characteristic curve (16B) is modified by the control means (7) to become a modified characteristic curve (16M) when a difference between the flow set-value and the actual value of the flow exceeds a predetermined threshold value.