Fluid Shut-Off Valve Position Sensing With Ultrasonic Reflection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing shut-off devices for fluids face challenges in accurately determining the setting position of the blocking body, leading to potential operational failures due to indirect and unreliable position assessment methods.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of an ultrasonic measuring device that emits and detects signals to directly determine the setting position of the blocking body, with additional calibration measurements to account for sound speed variations, ensuring precise positioning and flow rate control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If indirect position assessment methods (actuating device protrusion, position sensors, encoders) are used to determine blocking body position, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision and reliability deteriorate due to indirect information and potential errors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical position sensing methods (encoders, position sensors on actuating devices) with an acoustic measurement system. An acoustic sensor detects the position of the blocking body directly through acoustic signals, eliminating the need for complex mechanical sensing components and providing more reliable direct measurement of the blocking body position in the flow channel.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces acoustic signals as an intermediary to determine the blocking body position. The acoustic sensor detects acoustic emissions or reflections from the blocking body, using sound waves as a mediator to obtain direct position information without mechanical contact or indirect mechanical linkages.
2Measurement precision
If the ultrasonic measuring device is aligned to emit transmission signal reflected on the blocking body, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases due to signal alignment and evaluation requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The blocking body itself serves as the reflector for the ultrasonic transmission signal. The system uses the blocking body's own surface to reflect the acoustic signal back to the sensor, eliminating the need for separate reflectors or complex positioning mechanisms. The blocking body's position and shape automatically provide the necessary acoustic reflection characteristics.
Solution Approach 2:
The ultrasonic measuring device serves multiple functions: it emits transmission signals, detects reflection signals, determines blocking body position, and can also detect changes in setting position. This multi-functional approach consolidates measurement capabilities into a single integrated system rather than requiring separate sensing mechanisms.
3Reliability
If direct metrological view of blocking body is implemented using ultrasonic measuring device, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases due to integration of measurement system in flow channel
Solution Approach 1:
The ultrasonic measuring device is integrated directly into the shut-off device housing, merging the measurement function with the flow control function. This consolidation provides direct monitoring of the blocking body position within the same device structure, improving reliability through direct observation without requiring separate external sensing systems.
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 solution provides a reliable and direct method for determining the setting position of the blocking body, enhancing the accuracy and safety of fluid shut-off devices, especially in control applications, by averaging out fluid speed effects and integrating flow meter functionality without additional hardware.
Implementation Method 1
the control and/or evaluation device controls the ultrasonic measuring device to emit a transmission signal, the transmission signal being reflected on the blocking body
Implementation Method 2
an ultrasonic measuring device is arranged and aligned in or on the housing in such a way that the setting position of the blocking body can be determined with the ultrasonic measuring device
Implementation Method 3
the control and/or evaluation device determines the speed of sound in the fluid by measuring with ultrasonic signals in the fluid guided in the housing
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A shut-off device (1) for a fluid is shown and described, comprising a housing (2) that carries the fluid, an inlet opening (3a) for the fluid and an outlet opening (3b) for the fluid provided in the housing (2), a flow channel (4) for the fluid formed in the housing (2) between the inlet opening (3a) and the outlet opening (3b), and a locking device (5) arranged in the flow channel (4), wherein the locking device (5) has a locking element receptacle (6) and a locking element (7) movable in the locking element receptacle (6), wherein the flow cross-section for the fluid in the locking device (5) and thus in the flow channel (4) can be changed by moving the locking element (7) in the locking element receptacle (6).Reliable detection of the position of the locking element (7) is ensured by arranging and aligning an ultrasonic measuring device (8) in or on the housing (2) in such a way that the position of the locking element (7) can be determined with the ultrasonic measuring device (8).