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Control systems

Patent Application for Fluid Control Device with Enhanced Communication Flexibility

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

A team of inventors from Fujikin Incorporated, led by Ryousuke DOHI, Toru HIRAI, Koji KAWADA, Shinya OGAWA, and Katsuyuki SUGITA, has filed a patent application for a fluid control device that can seamlessly switch between digital and analog communication with an external device. This innovative design enables more flexible control of valves, addressing a long-standing limitation in conventional fluid control systems.

The proposed fluid control device includes a valve control device that can communicate with an external device via digital communication (e.g., Ethernet-based fieldbus system) and analog communication (e.g., through an integral cable with a D-sub connector). This versatility allows for more precise control of valves and valve driving circuits, which can be adjusted based on the output of a displacement sensor. The system's flexibility is further enhanced by the ability to separate the valve and valve control device, connecting them via a cable.

The key takeaways from this patent application include:

  • **Flexible Communication**: The proposed fluid control device can seamlessly switch between digital and analog communication with an external device, enabling more precise control of valves and valve driving circuits.
  • **Enhanced Valve Control**: The system's ability to feedback control the actuator of the valve based on the output of a displacement sensor ensures more accurate control of valve elements.
  • **Separate Valve and Control Device**: The valve and valve control device can be provided separately and connected via a cable, providing greater flexibility in system design.
  • **Ethernet-Based Fieldbus System**: The digital communication circuit of each valve control device is connected to the external device via an Ethernet-based fieldbus system, enabling high-speed communication.
  • **D-sub Connector**: The cable and input/output terminal are connected via a D-sub connector, ensuring a reliable and secure connection.

Statistics:

  • **At least four wires**: The integral cable supporting power and analog signal from the external device has a minimum of four wires.
  • **D-sub connector**: The cable and input/output terminal are connected via a D-sub connector.
  • **Ethernet-based fieldbus system**: The digital communication circuit of each valve control device is connected to the external device via an Ethernet-based fieldbus system.

Sources:

  • DOHI, Ryousuke; HIRAI, Toru; KAWADA, Koji; OGAWA, Shinya; SUGITA, Katsuyuki. Fluid Control Device, Fluid Control System, And Valve Control Device. U.S. Patent Application Number 20250305595, filed March 28, 2023 and posted October 2, 2025.
  • Patent URL: https://ppubs.uspto.gov/pubwebapp/external.html?q=(20250305595)&db=US-PGPUB&type=ids

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