Valve Key Feedback Control for Pressure-Safe Fluid Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current fluid distribution networks face challenges in controlling valves to prevent transient pressure waves, leading to leaks and pipe failures due to improper operation, despite thorough training, and existing monitoring systems are costly and limited in providing real-time accurate data.
Innovation Solution
A system where a removable key with a mobile communications device, equipped with sensors like a gyroscope, accelerometer, and compass, provides an optimum rotation speed profile for valve operation, offering real-time feedback and data transmission to a central database to ensure precise valve control and reduce leaks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If workers manually operate valves using traditional keys, then valve operation is simple and equipment cost is low, but transient pressure waves cause leaks and pipe failures
Solution Approach 1:
The mobile communications device provides real-time feedback to workers during valve operation through audible and visual warnings when rotation speed exceeds optimal limits, and indications when the required number of turns has been performed. This feedback mechanism guides workers to operate valves at optimal speeds, preventing transient pressure waves while maintaining manual operation simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical valve operation without guidance with an augmented system using mobile communications devices, sensors, and wireless communication. The mechanical key operation is enhanced with electronic sensing (orientation sensors), wireless data transmission, and real-time feedback, substituting pure mechanical operation with an integrated electromechanical system.
2Loss of information
If monitoring devices are installed on every valve, then real-time valve operation data is available, but system cost becomes prohibitively high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses universal mobile communications devices (smartphones, tablets) that workers already possess, rather than requiring specialized monitoring equipment for each valve. These multi-functional devices serve as sensors, data transmitters, and feedback interfaces, eliminating the need for dedicated expensive monitoring hardware at each valve location.
Solution Approach 2:
The system leverages the existing capabilities of mobile devices (processors, sensors, wireless communication) to perform monitoring functions. The worker's own device serves the dual purpose of personal communication and professional valve operation monitoring, eliminating the need for company-provided specialized equipment at each valve.
3Ease of operation
If workers receive thorough training on valve operation, then valve operation quality improves, but leaks and bursts still occur due to inability to adapt to specific valve characteristics
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides workers with preliminary information about specific valve characteristics (optimal rotation speed profiles, required number of turns) before and during operation. The mobile device retrieves valve-specific data from a central database and presents it to the worker in advance, enabling them to adapt their operation to the specific valve's requirements rather than relying solely on general training.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from static training information to dynamic, real-time guidance that adapts to each specific valve's characteristics. The mobile communications device provides customized operation parameters for each valve based on its location and type, allowing workers to dynamically adjust their operation technique to match the specific valve's requirements.
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 effectively reduces leaks and bursts by ensuring proper valve operation, provides real-time network status updates, and adjusts valve profiles based on fluid pressure changes, enhancing operational efficiency and reducing repair costs.
Implementation Method 1
the orientation means consists of at least one of a gyroscope, an accelerometer and a compass
Implementation Method 2
the orientation means consists of at least one of a gyroscope, an accelerometer and a compass
Implementation Method 3
the orientation means consists of at least one of a gyroscope, an accelerometer and a compass
Data Source
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AI summary
A system is disclosed for monitoring and controlling a fluid flow network having a plurality of flow control valves (4), each operable manually by a re- movable key (5) engageable with a valve spindle. The system comprises a cen-5 tral database (1) recording for each valve in the network the location of the valve and a turn profile for the valve consisting of: the number of rotations of the valve spindle between fully open and fully closed; and an optimum rotation speed profile for opening and closing the valve. A mobile communications de- vice (2) is detachably mounted on the key (5). The mobile communications de-10 vice comprises a transmitter/receiver for transmitting data to the central data- base and for receiving data from the central database, orientation means consisting of at least one of a gyroscope, an accelerometer and a compass, and a processor. The processor is controlled by a software program to communicate with the central database and to receive therefrom 15 characteristics for the valve at the transmitted position, receive signals from the orientation means when the communications device is mounted on the key and to calculate therefrom the instantaneous rotational speed of the key and the amount of rotation of the key, 20 compare the instantaneous rotational speed of the key and the number of turns with the optimum rotation speed profile included in the received characteristics, generate a warning if the instantaneous rotational speed exceeds that in the optimum rotation speed profile, and 25 generate an indication when the required number of turns has been performed.