Wireless Fluid Control Device with Low Power Mode
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid regulation systems face challenges in remote and hazardous locations due to the impracticality of installing wired connections for process valve controllers, and there is a need for energy-efficient solutions that can maintain control signals during low power modes.
Innovation Solution
A device and system for fluid regulation that includes a processor, a fluid control assembly, and a power source, allowing for wireless communication and operation in both high and low power modes, with the ability to maintain control signals during low power conditions using an electric-to-pressure transducer and a piezoelectric valve.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If wired connections are used for process valve controllers, then control reliability is improved, but installation feasibility deteriorates in remote or hazardous locations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces wired mechanical/electrical connections with wireless communication technology. The controller communicates with the process valve actuator through wireless signals, eliminating the need for physical wire installations in remote or hazardous locations while maintaining control functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a wireless communication intermediary between the controller and the actuator. This intermediary enables signal transmission without direct physical connection, solving the installation feasibility problem while preserving control reliability through the use of standardized wireless communication protocols.
2Ease of operation
If wireless communication is used for process valve controllers, then installation feasibility is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic communication cycles where the controller and actuator exchange signals at predetermined intervals rather than continuously. This periodic action significantly reduces power consumption of the wireless communication system while maintaining effective control of the process valve.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller derives power from the control signal itself when received from the control system. This self-service power derivation eliminates or reduces the need for separate power sources, thereby reducing overall power consumption while enabling wireless operation.
3Measurement precision
If continuous power supply is provided to maintain control signals, then control precision is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses periodic control signal transmission at predetermined intervals to maintain control precision. The controller sends control signals periodically rather than continuously, achieving adequate control accuracy while significantly reducing power consumption from the power source.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller is programmed with predetermined control logic and parameters that are established in advance. This preliminary configuration allows the controller to maintain precise control decisions without requiring continuous power-intensive processing or signal transmission.
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 efficient fluid regulation with reduced power consumption, allowing the system to operate for extended periods using a battery and maintain control signals wirelessly, even in remote or hazardous locations where wired connections are impractical.
Implementation Method 1
The transducer receives a control fluid and adjusts the control fluid in response to the command from the processor during the high power mode
Implementation Method 2
with the ability to maintain control signals during low power conditions using an electric-to-pressure transducer and a piezoelectric valve
Data Source
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AI summary
Fluid regulation control may be accomplished by a variety of systems, devices, and techniques. In one application, a fluid regulation control device (200) may include a processor (211), a fluid control assembly (220), and a power source (215). The processor (211) may be adapted to generate a command (270) for controlling a fluid regulator and to adjust a power condition of the device, which may include a low power mode and a high power mode. The device (200) may consume substantially less power in the low power mode than in the high power mode. The fluid control assembly (220) may include a transducer (225), which may receive a control fluid (135) and adjust it in response to the command (270) during the high power mode. The fluid control assembly (220) may also maintain the adjusted control fluid (145) at a substantially constant value during the low power mode.