Valve Shaft Position Sensing With an Annular Indicator Ring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing motorized valve systems in aircraft hydraulic systems have limitations in determining the operating condition of the valve due to the limited number of positions that can be detected by position sensors monitoring features of the rotary valve shaft.
Innovation Solution
A valve assembly with a sensor assembly that includes an indicator extending annularly about the valve shaft and a position sensor on the valve shaft configured to detect features of the indicator, allowing for the determination of the angular position of the valve shaft.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a position sensor on the housing detects a feature on the valve shaft, then the operating condition of the valve can be determined, but the number of detectable positions is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a single-point feature detection approach to an annular indicator with multiple features distributed around the valve shaft. This dimensional expansion from one location to a circular array enables detection of multiple positions (first position, second position, third position) while maintaining the same sensor technology, thereby resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and adaptability.
2Ease of operation
If wires connect the position sensor to other modules in the housing, then power and communication are provided, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical wiring system with a wireless communication system. The position sensor communicates valve position information wirelessly to the controller, eliminating the need for physical wire connections between the sensor and other modules. This substitution reduces device complexity while maintaining ease of operation and sensor connectivity.
Data Source
AI summary
A valve assembly has a housing and a valve shaft rotatable in the housing. A sensor assembly detects the position of the valve shaft. The sensor assembly has an indicator on the housing; and a position sensor on the valve shaft configured to detect a feature of the indicator to determine the position of the valve shaft.