Valve Operating Key with Wireless Open-Close Status Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing valve operation systems in water or gas distribution systems, particularly buried valves, face challenges in tracking the open/close status due to the complexity and cost of adapting valves to communicate their status, requiring skilled operators and lacking efficient wireless communication for centralized data logging.
Innovation Solution
A method involving an operating key system that wirelessly communicates the valve's location, rotational direction, and open/closed position to a central data system, using rotation direction detection and end position detection means, allowing unskilled operators to manage and log valve status reliably, even if mistakes occur, with the system comprising a control unit for standardized and inexpensive communication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If valves are adapted to communicate their identity and status, then data collection capability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an operating key system as an intermediary device that carries identification means and communicates with the central data logging station. Instead of modifying the valves themselves, the portable operating key serves as a mediator to transfer valve identity and status information to the central system, thereby reducing valve complexity while maintaining data collection capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical valve adaptations with a simpler system using identification means (such as magnetic strips or RFID tags) on the operating key. This substitution reduces the mechanical and structural complexity of the valve system while enabling wireless communication of valve status information
2Reliability
If complex valve communication systems are implemented, then data accuracy is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The operating key system performs automatic identification and data transmission functions without requiring operator intervention or interpretation. When the operator presents the operating key to the valve, the system automatically reads the identification means, communicates with the central station, and logs the data, thereby maintaining high reliability while simplifying operator tasks to basic presentation actions
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides immediate feedback to the operator through the operating key interface, confirming successful valve identification and status logging. This feedback mechanism ensures data accuracy while guiding unskilled operators through the simple process of presenting the key to the valve, eliminating the need for specialized knowledge
3Ease of manufacture
If manual valve operation tracking is performed, then operational cost is reduced, but loss of information increases
Solution Approach 1:
The operating key system serves multiple functions: it identifies the valve, communicates with the central data logging station, tracks operational status, and provides feedback to the operator. This multi-functional approach consolidates what would otherwise require separate systems into a single cost-effective device that prevents information loss while maintaining affordability
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the parameter of information transmission from manual recording to automated wireless communication. By implementing wireless data transmission capabilities in the operating key system, the patent enables continuous, accurate tracking of valve status information at minimal cost, eliminating the information loss inherent in manual tracking methods
Data Source
AI summary
A method for operating a valve including locating an operating key system at the valve, communicating a location of the operating key system wirelessly to a central data system, communicating a rotational direction to open or close the valve wirelessly, engaging operating means of the valve by means of an operating key of the operating key system, rotating the operating key manually towards an open or a closed position of the valve while engaging the operating means, detecting the direction in which the operating key is rotated, detecting if the valve has reached the open or closed position, and communicating the location, the direction of rotation and the open or closed position wirelessly to a central data system.