Valve Assembly Differential Pressure Calibration Using Reference Sensors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing valve arrangements lack an effective method for automated testing and monitoring of absolute pressure sensors, leading to potential incorrect measurements and failure to recognize deviations, especially in high-safety applications where precise pressure conditions and valve function need to be verified.
Innovation Solution
A valve arrangement with multiple absolute pressure sensors, including a first sensor in the valve chamber or outlet channel and a second sensor outside the flow path, connected to an evaluation circuit to determine differential pressure, allowing for automatic monitoring and calibration of the sensors, especially by comparing pressure signals at different working positions of the valve member.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single absolute pressure sensor is used in the flow path, then the device complexity is reduced, but the measurement precision and reliability deteriorate due to inability to detect measurement deviations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent places pressure sensors at different locations within the valve assembly - one sensor in the flow path and another outside the flow path. This spatial differentiation allows each sensor to perform its specific function: the first sensor monitors flow path pressure while the second sensor provides reference pressure measurement, enabling deviation detection without significantly increasing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The evaluation circuit acts as an intermediary that compares pressure signals from multiple sensors and determines differential pressure. This intermediary component processes the sensor data to identify measurement deviations, effectively enhancing measurement precision through signal comparison rather than relying on a single sensor.
2Reliability
If multiple absolute pressure sensors are installed for monitoring and comparison, then the measurement precision and reliability improve, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates pressure sensors during the manufacturing process itself, allowing for preliminary verification of sensor functionality before the valve assembly is deployed. The evaluation circuit automatically checks sensor readings during assembly, identifying defective sensors early and preventing them from reaching the customer, thereby ensuring reliability without requiring post-installation testing equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve assembly performs self-verification of sensor functionality through the evaluation circuit that automatically compares pressure signals from multiple sensors. This self-diagnostic capability allows the system to monitor its own health and detect sensor failures without external intervention, improving reliability while keeping the added complexity minimal and integrated into the existing valve structure.
3Reliability
If automated verification of pressure sensors is implemented, then the reliability and safety are improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates automated verification into the manufacturing process by incorporating the evaluation circuit and pressure sensors during assembly. The system automatically checks sensor functionality at the factory before shipment, ensuring high reliability while streamlining the manufacturing process through integrated testing rather than requiring separate verification steps later.
Solution Approach 2:
The evaluation circuit provides real-time feedback on sensor functionality by comparing pressure signals from multiple sensors. This feedback mechanism automatically identifies defective sensors during manufacturing and operation, enabling quality control without manual intervention and maintaining ease of manufacture through automated decision-making embedded in the control circuit.
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
This setup enables cost-effective and reliable monitoring and calibration of absolute pressure sensors, reducing the likelihood of incorrect measurements by comparing pressure signals from multiple sensors, ensuring accurate pressure condition assessment and valve function verification.
Implementation Method 1
each of the valve devices has a first absolute pressure sensor (10, 11, 14, 15) for providing a first pressure signal as a function of a working pressure in the flow path
Implementation Method 2
the second absolute pressure sensor (12) is arranged outside the flow path and is configured to provide a second pressure signal as a function of a reference pressure outside the flow path
Implementation Method 3
connected to the evaluation circuit (16) to enable the determination of a differential pressure between the first and the second pressure signals
Data Source
Figure 1~2
AI summary
The device (2-5) has valve housing (17) which bounds valve chamber in which valve member is accommodated for movement between blocking position and release position. Absolute pressure sensor (10) provides pressure signal as function of operating pressure in flow path. Evaluation circuit (16) processes pressure signal. Absolute pressure sensor (11) provides another pressure signal as function of reference pressure outside flow path and connected to evaluation circuit that enables differential pressure between pressure signals to be determined. An independent claim is included for a method for calibrating valve assembly.