Pressurized Container Valve Assembly With TMR Angle Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing valve assemblies for pressurized gas cylinders face challenges in rapidly detecting the angular position of the control element, leading to delayed response times in gas supply predictions, particularly in large cylinders with small gas flows, and require complex constructions that increase overall dimensions.
Innovation Solution
A valve assembly with a detection device comprising a TMR magnetic tunnel effect angle sensor and a movement conversion mechanism that converts the rotary control element's movement about a main axis into rotational movement about a transverse or parallel auxiliary axis, allowing precise angular position detection with reduced complexity and dimensions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a rack type mechanism with potentiometer is used to detect control element position, then position detection is achieved, but device complexity increases and overall dimensions increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical rack-type mechanism with a magnetic field-based detection system. A magnet is attached to the control element, and a TMR (tunnel magnetoresistance) sensor detects its position through non-contact measurement, eliminating complex mechanical linkages and reducing overall device complexity while maintaining detection precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a magnet as an intermediary element that mediates between the control element's mechanical movement and the electronic detection system. The magnet creates a magnetic field that the TMR sensor can detect, providing a simple yet effective coupling mechanism that avoids direct mechanical connection.
2Loss of information
If pressure variation measurement is used for gas supply prediction, then gas flow monitoring is achieved, but response time is delayed in large cylinders with small flows
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the TMR sensor continuously monitors the control element's angular position in real-time. This provides immediate feedback to the logic unit about the valve opening state, enabling rapid adjustment of gas supply predictions without waiting for pressure variations to manifest, thus significantly reducing response time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary detection of the control element position using the TMR sensor before gas flow actually occurs or pressure changes are detected. By monitoring the valve opening position directly, the system can predict gas supply duration in advance, enabling faster response particularly in the first moments of valve opening.
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 immediate detection of the control element's position for accurate gas supply duration estimation, minimizing energy consumption and maintaining compact dimensions while providing reliable operation and precise measurement.
Implementation Method 1
The angular position sensor is a TMR magnetic tunnel effect angle sensor
Data Source
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AI summary
A valve assembly for pressurized containers comprises a main structure, a rotary control element which is rotatably connected to the main structure and which is configured so as to allow a gas flow through the valve assembly in accordance with an angular position thereof about a main rotation axis, a detection device which includes an angular position sensor and a movable member. The angular position sensor is configured to detect the angular position of the movable member about an auxiliary rotation axis. The movable member is rotatably supported on the main structure and the angular position sensor is fixed to the main structure. The valve assembly further comprises a movement conversion mechanism which is configured so as to convert the movement of the rotary control element about the main axis into a corresponding rotational movement of the movable member about the auxiliary axis which is different with respect to the main rotation axis.