Synchronized Valve Actuation With Feedback for Consistent Cycle Timing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Inconsistent or undesirable fluid flow conditions in valve systems due to variations in actuator spring stiffness, pressure, and pressure build-up or exhaust rates, leading to deviations in valve cycle times, especially in multiple valve arrangements.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for controlling fluid flow using an actuated valve assembly with a control module that adjusts actuation signal pulses based on real-time feedback from position sensors to maintain consistent opening and closing times, incorporating predetermined delays and damping factors to optimize flow accuracy and consistency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional spring biased pneumatic actuators are used for valve operation, then the valve can achieve two-position operation between actuated and normal positions, but the valve cycle times vary due to changes in spring stiffness, actuator pressure, and pressure build-up/exhaust rates
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs a position sensor to detect the actual position of the actuator member and provides feedback signals to the control module. The control module compares the actual position with the target position and adjusts the actuation signal duration accordingly, ensuring consistent valve cycle times despite variations in spring stiffness, actuator pressure, and pressure build-up/exhaust rates.
Solution Approach 2:
The control module dynamically adjusts the duration of actuation signal pulses based on real-time feedback from the position sensor. This dynamic control allows the system to adapt to varying conditions such as changes in spring stiffness, actuator pressure, and pressure build-up/exhaust rates, maintaining consistent valve cycle times across different operating conditions.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple valve arrangements are used to deliver fluid, then fluid distribution capability is improved, but inconsistent valve cycle times compound to create undesirable fluid flow conditions
Solution Approach 1:
Each valve in the multiple valve arrangement is equipped with a position sensor that provides feedback to its respective control module. This ensures that each valve maintains consistent cycle times independently, preventing the compounding of inconsistencies that would otherwise occur in multi-valve arrangements and ensuring stable fluid flow distribution.
Solution Approach 2:
The control module adjusts the actuation signal parameters (duration and timing) based on feedback from the position sensor, compensating for variations in system conditions. This parameter adjustment ensures that each valve in the multiple valve arrangement operates with consistent timing, maintaining stable fluid flow consistency across the distribution system.
3Ease of operation
If actuation signal duration is fixed, then control simplicity is maintained, but variations in actuator pressure and spring stiffness cause deviations in valve cycle times
Solution Approach 1:
The position sensor provides real-time feedback on the actuator member position, allowing the control module to dynamically adjust the actuation signal duration. This feedback mechanism maintains valve actuation timing precision despite variations in actuator pressure and spring stiffness, while the automated control preserves ease of operation through simple signal input.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the position sensor feedback to automatically determine the optimal actuation signal duration without requiring manual intervention or complex external control. The control module self-adjusts the actuation parameters based on the detected position, maintaining timing precision while keeping the operation simple through automatic self-regulation.
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
The system ensures consistent fluid dosage volumes by adjusting actuation timing to compensate for deviations in valve actuation timing, maintaining precise control over fluid flow despite variations in actuator performance and system conditions.
Implementation Method 1
an actuator having an actuator member biased towards a normal position
Implementation Method 2
an inlet port configured to receive a pressurized fluid for movement of the actuator member to an actuated position
Data Source
AI summary
A valve control module includes a controller storing a real time operating system for controlling operation of the valve control module, at least one command signal input connector in circuit communication with the controller and connectable with an external device for receiving command signal pulses from the external device, at least one driver circuit in circuit communication with the controller and connectable with a pilot valve of a valve assembly for transmitting to the pilot valve actuation signal pulses generated by the controller, and at least one digital input connector in circuit communication with the controller and connectable with a position sensor of the valve assembly for receiving stroke signal pulses from the position sensor and communicating the stroke signal pulses to the controller.