Wireless Valve Key Tracking for Buried Open-Close Status
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing valve operation systems in water or gas distribution systems, particularly buried valves, lack efficient methods for tracking the open/close status due to complexity and cost in adapting valves to communicate their status, and require skilled operators, making it difficult to manage large numbers of valves scattered over a large area.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a wireless operating key system that communicates the valve's location, rotational direction, and open/closed position to a central data system, using rotation direction detection and end position detection means, allowing unskilled operators to manage valve status reliably and inexpensively, with the system comprising a control unit for wireless communication and user interface for data logging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If valves are adapted to communicate their identity and status, then valve status tracking is enabled, but system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary operating key system that detects valve status through mechanical sensing (rotation direction, end positions) rather than requiring direct electronic communication from the valve. This mediator translates mechanical valve operation into detectable signals, enabling status tracking without modifying the valve's internal communication systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex electronic communication systems with a mechanical detection approach. The operating key uses mechanical sensors to detect rotation direction and end positions, substituting electronic valve communication with a mechanical sensing system that is simpler and more reliable for this specific application.
2Reliability
If professional operators are required to operate valves, then operational accuracy is improved, but operational cost and skill requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms that guide the operator through the valve operation process. The system provides real-time feedback on rotation direction correctness and end position achievement, enabling unskilled operators to perform operations accurately by following system guidance rather than relying on expertise.
Solution Approach 2:
The operating key system performs self-guidance and self-correction during operation. It automatically detects errors in rotation direction and guides the operator to correct them, and automatically detects end positions and confirms completion, making the system self-sufficient and reducing dependence on operator skill.
3Measurement precision
If manual rotation detection is implemented, then operational data accuracy is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The operating key serves multiple functions: it mechanically operates the valve, detects rotation direction, detects end positions, and communicates status information. By combining these functions into a single multi-functional device, the patent avoids the complexity of separate systems for each function while maintaining high measurement precision.
Data Source
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AI summary
Disclosed is a method for operating a valve (1), the method comprising the steps of locating an operating key system (2) at the valve (1), communicating a location of the operating key system (2) wirelessly to a central data system (3) from the operating key system (2), communicating a rotational direction to open or close the valve (1) wirelessly from the central data system (3) to the operating key system (2) based on the location, engaging operating means (5) of the valve (1) by means of an operating key (4) of the operating key system (2), rotating the operating key (4) manually towards an open or a closed position of the valve (1) while engaging the operating means (5) based on the received rotational direction to open or close the valve (1), detecting the direction in which the operating key (4) is rotated, wherein the direction of rotation is detected by means of rotation direction detection means (6) of the operating key (4), detecting if the valve (1) has reached the open or closed position, wherein the open or closed position is detected by means of end position detection means (7) of the operating key (4), and communicating the location, the direction of rotation and the open or closed position wirelessly to a central data system (3) from the operating key system (2). An operating key system (2) for operating a valve (1) and use of a method for operating a valve (1) buried beneath ground surface (18) is also disclosed.