Accumulator Reservoir Nonlinear Vent Paths

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing accumulator reservoirs face contamination issues due to venting, which can negatively affect the performance and smooth operation of the main piston, as contaminants can enter through venting areas and disrupt the pressure balance.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of nonlinear, crooked vent paths that communicate fluid between the residual chamber and the outside environment, creating a tortured flow path to prevent contaminants from entering and ensure smooth operation of the accumulator reservoir.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If venting paths are provided to allow air and fluid to move in and out of the accumulator reservoir, then pressure balance and smooth piston movement are maintained, but contaminants can enter through the vent paths and negatively affect seal performance and accumulator operation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesmooth piston movementVSAvoidcontaminant ingress

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The vent paths are configured as nonlinear, crooked paths rather than straight lines. This curvature makes it difficult for contaminants to penetrate directly into the accumulator reservoir while still allowing air and fluid to vent effectively, thus maintaining pressure balance without compromising seal performance

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

Solution Approach 2:

The nonlinear vent paths act as an intermediary barrier that mediates between the need for venting and the need to prevent contamination. The complex path geometry allows legitimate fluid flow while blocking contaminant ingress, serving as a passive filtration mechanism

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If straight vent paths are used to facilitate air and fluid movement, then venting efficiency is improved, but contaminants can easily enter through the direct path

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveventing efficiencyVSAvoidcontaminant ingress

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The vent paths are deliberately designed with nonlinear, crooked geometries that maintain adequate flow capacity for venting while creating tortuous paths that block straight-line contaminant penetration. The curvature provides hydraulic efficiency without direct exposure to contaminants

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

3Object-affected harmful factors

If the accumulator reservoir is sealed to prevent contaminant ingress, then contamination is prevented, but pressure balance cannot be maintained during piston movement

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontaminant preventionVSAvoidpressure balance

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The nonlinear vent paths provide a controlled opening that allows pressure equalization during piston movement while the curved geometry inherently resists contaminant entry. This resolves the contradiction by allowing necessary fluid communication while maintaining protection

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

Data Source

PatentUS9080710B2Accumulator reservoir venting

Publication Date: 2015.07.14 HAMILTON SUNDSTRAND CORP

AI summary

An example accumulator reservoir includes a housing. The housing contains a system fluid chamber, a working fluid chamber, and a residual chamber. Vent paths are configured to vent fluid from the residual chamber. Each of the vent paths extends nonlinearly between a first opening and a second opening.