Valve Manifold Circuit Boards With Serial Line Expansion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current fluid control systems for industrial applications are limited by the number of circuit boards that can be connected, restricting the capacity of valve manifolds, and lack a single control line to efficiently manage proportional valves and other field devices with variable output based on input voltage.
Innovation Solution
A modular fluid control system with interconnected valve manifold blocks and circuit boards forming a continuous electrical conduit, utilizing a serial control line to connect multiple drivers and circuit boards, allowing for extended system capacity and proportional control of valve units, including proportional valves, through a single communication line.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If multiple circuit boards are connected in series to increase valve manifold capacity, then the system capacity increases, but the complexity of the electrical conduit and communication paths increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple electrical functions (power supply, communication, control signals) into a single integrated electrical conduit that runs through each valve manifold block. This merging approach allows multiple circuit boards to be connected in series without proportionally increasing complexity, as the same physical conduit serves multiple purposes throughout the extended system.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrical conduit is designed as a multi-functional universal pathway that simultaneously carries power, ground, serial communication, and control signals. This universality allows the same infrastructure to support increased numbers of circuit boards without requiring separate dedicated pathways for each function, thereby scaling capacity while managing complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a traditional multi-line communication system is used to control multiple valve units, then each valve can be controlled independently, but the system complexity and number of required wires increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a serial communication protocol as an intermediary layer between the master controller and multiple valve units. Instead of direct multi-line connections, serial data transmitted through the single electrical conduit serves as the mediator, enabling independent control of multiple valves while maintaining system simplicity through standardized communication protocols.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/electrical multi-line communication system with a serial digital communication system. By substituting physical multiple-wire connections with serial data transmission over a single conduit, the system achieves the same control independence with reduced physical complexity and wire count.
3Quantity of substance
If expansion modules with additional drivers are added to increase system capacity, then more valve units can be controlled, but the device complexity and number of components increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the control system into a master controller that generates serial communication signals and multiple valve units that receive and execute commands. By dividing the system into these functional segments, the master controller can manage an extended number of valve units through serial communication without requiring proportional increases in the number of drivers, as the serial protocol enables one-to-many communication.
Data Source
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AI summary
A fluid control system has a first series (130) of connected circuit boards (30) that each actuate a respective valve unit (13) mounted to a valve manifold block (12). A first communication module (15) has a valve driver (132) with a plurality of outputs for actuating the valve units connected to the first series of connected circuit boards. A serial control line (136) extends through the first series of connected circuit boards and is connected to a second driver (138) for actuating a second series (142) of connected circuit boards.