Position sensor for a valve and method for measuring the position of a valve
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing valve position sensing technologies face challenges in achieving precise and cost-effective position determination, particularly in contact-free methods.
Innovation Solution
A position sensor utilizing a coil or conductor loop that surrounds the valve body, where the movement of the valve body changes the electrical properties, specifically the inductance, allowing for contact-free position determination through measurement of inductance or impedance changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If contact-free position sensing is implemented using existing technologies, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical or electronic contact-free position sensors with a simple coil-based inductance measurement system. The valve body itself serves as the moving element that modulates the inductance of a stationary coil, eliminating the need for complex sensor assemblies while achieving precise position determination through electrical property changes.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve body serves dual purposes: it performs its primary valve function while simultaneously acting as the moving element in the position sensing system. By leveraging the valve body's own movement to modulate the coil's inductance, the system eliminates the need for separate sensing components, reducing overall device complexity.
2Measurement precision
If contact-free position sensing is implemented using existing technologies, then measurement precision is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a simple coil structure that can be manufactured at low cost using conventional winding techniques. The coil is designed to be integrated into the valve housing or mounted nearby, using inexpensive materials and straightforward fabrication processes, making the overall system cost-effective compared to complex commercial position sensors.
Solution Approach 2:
The coil serves multiple functions: it is part of the valve's electromagnetic actuation system and simultaneously serves as the sensing element for position determination. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate sensing components, reducing manufacturing complexity and cost while maintaining measurement precision.
3Device complexity
If inductance measurement is used for position determination, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision may be affected by frequency-dependent resistance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent measures both the resistive and reactive components of the coil's impedance at a specific excitation frequency. By analyzing the frequency-dependent resistance and inductance separately, the system can compensate for the effects of frequency-dependent resistance and extract accurate position information from the inductance component, maintaining measurement precision despite the complexity of impedance measurements.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the measured impedance characteristics to determine valve position, and this position information can be fed back to adjust the excitation frequency or compensation parameters. This feedback mechanism allows the system to optimize measurements and compensate for frequency-dependent effects, maintaining high measurement precision.
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
Enables precise and cost-effective contact-free position determination of the valve, suitable for various valve types, including expansion and shut-off valves in refrigerant circuits, by leveraging changes in inductance or impedance measured using AC voltage and frequency-dependent resistance methods.
Implementation Method 1
the electrical properties, in particular the inductance, of the coil or conductor loop are changed by moving the valve body within the coil or conductor loop
Data Source
AI summary
A position sensor for a valve and a method for measuring the position of a valve. To determine the position of a valve, a valve body is moved at least partially within a coil or conductor loop, or a valve body connected to a coil or conductor loop is moved within the valve; the electrical properties of the coil or conductor loop are measured; and the position of the valve body within the valve is determined from the measured electrical properties.