Wireless Fluid Shut-Off Valve With Remote Actuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing manual gas shutoff valves pose safety risks to workers and delay emergency responses due to the need for manual operation, especially in fire or structural damage situations, as they require utility workers to enter buildings to close valves.
Innovation Solution
Development of remotely actuatable fluid isolation valves using wireless communication networks for gas, water, and other fluid supply lines, enabling self-forming and adaptive multi-point or point-to-point control, with low leakage sealing and tamper-proof mechanisms, allowing for automatic or manual resetting and integration with sensors for safety features.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual operation of shutoff valves is used, then workers can control fluid supply, but worker safety is compromised and emergency response is delayed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical valve operation with an automated electromagnetic actuation system. A microcontroller receives wireless commands and triggers an electromagnetic actuator to open or close the valve, eliminating the need for workers to physically operate the valve in hazardous environments.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a wireless communication system as an intermediary between the control operator and the valve actuator. The microcontroller and electromagnetic actuator serve as intermediaries that translate wireless commands into physical valve actions, allowing remote operation without direct worker presence at the valve location.
2Loss of time
If remote actuation with wireless communication is implemented, then emergency response time is improved and worker safety is enhanced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The microcontroller serves multiple functions: it processes wireless commands, controls the electromagnetic actuator, monitors valve status via sensors, and manages power consumption. This multi-functionality consolidates what could be separate complex subsystems into a single integrated control unit.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve system automatically responds to wireless commands without requiring manual intervention. The microcontroller autonomously processes received commands, activates the appropriate actuators, and confirms valve status changes, enabling self-service operation that reduces response time and complexity.
3Ease of operation
If electromagnetic actuators are used for valve control, then remote operation is enabled, but power consumption increases battery requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The electromagnetic actuator is designed to operate in periodic bursts rather than continuously. It activates only when wireless commands are received to change valve state, then remains inactive, consuming minimal power during idle periods. This periodic operation significantly reduces overall power consumption compared to continuous actuation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system recovers and stores electrical energy from the wireless power transfer during actuation events. The electromagnetic actuator utilizes this recovered energy efficiently, reducing the burden on the battery and extending operational life between battery replacements.
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
The solution provides safe, reliable, and cost-effective remote control of fluid supply lines, enhancing safety by enabling emergency personnel to shut off gas lines without entering hazardous areas, while reducing operational costs and improving response times.
Implementation Method 1
a magnetic sensor, such as a Hall effect sensor, for sensing a position of the plunger in response to movement of a magnet
Implementation Method 2
a solenoid actuator with a plunger that is movable between a first position, in which the solenoid actuator urges the valve closure element toward the closed position, and a second position, in which the solenoid actuator urges the valve closure element toward the open position
Data Source
AI summary
A low-cost safety valve for gas lines and similar supply lines that can be remotely activated via a secure wireless link employing a low leakage sealing mechanism that is compatible with low energy actuators to for extended battery life. A miniaturized controller and wireless electronics assembly provides the control mechanism for actuating the valve, as well as reporting data regarding the valve status to wireless interrogators or external networks via an ad hoc wireless network. A variety of simple magnetic valve operating mechanisms can be implemented with the miniaturized electronic control circuits and the valve body. Such control actuation mechanisms enable automatic resetting or manual resetting valves. The gas line shut off valve can provide important safety benefits at an affordable price. An RFID transceiver may be included to enable low-power operation and communications using RFID technologies as well as an automatic antenna tuning capability to maximize radio range.