Accumulator Pressure Monitoring via Gas Chamber Sensor
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Hydraulic accumulators face challenges in monitoring pressure effectively due to potential gas leaks and fluid circuit leaks, leading to operational inefficiencies and potential system failures, which existing solutions do not adequately address.
Innovation Solution
An accumulator pressure monitoring system comprising a pressure sensor coupled to a control unit that compares pressure readings from a gas-filled chamber to threshold values, with a movable separator between the gas and liquid chambers, enabling detection of abnormal pressure conditions and alerting operators through a warning device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a pressure sensor is added to the oil side of the accumulator circuit to monitor hydraulic fluid pressure, then the ability to detect pressure loss and provide warnings improves, but the device complexity and cost increase due to additional sensors and warning circuits
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the pressure monitoring function from the complex dual-sensor system and implements it through a single pressure sensor that measures gas chamber pressure. By taking out only the essential monitoring capability and eliminating the second sensor, the system achieves reliable pressure detection while reducing device complexity and cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The single pressure sensor in the gas chamber serves multiple functions: it monitors gas pressure, indirectly detects hydraulic fluid pressure conditions, and triggers warnings for both gas leaks and hydraulic leaks. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate sensors for different monitoring purposes, reducing overall system complexity.
2Reliability
If a second pressure sensor is added to the gas side of the accumulator to measure gas pressure, then the ability to detect gas leaks and maintain gas pressure improves, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the gas pressure monitoring function and implements it with a single pressure sensor located in the gas chamber. By taking out only the essential gas pressure detection capability and eliminating the need for a second sensor on the hydraulic side, the system achieves reliable gas pressure monitoring while significantly reducing manufacturing cost and complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The pressure sensor in the gas chamber serves the dual purpose of monitoring both gas pressure and hydraulic system pressure conditions. The gas chamber pressure naturally reflects the state of the hydraulic system through the separator interface, allowing the single sensor to self-service multiple monitoring functions without requiring additional dedicated sensors.
3Measurement precision
If pressure sensors and warning circuits are added to monitor hydraulic oil capacity, then the ability to detect abnormal pressure conditions improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential pressure monitoring function from the complex multi-sensor system and implements it through a single pressure sensor in the gas chamber. By taking out only the critical measurement capability and eliminating redundant sensors and circuits, the system achieves precise abnormal pressure condition detection while minimizing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The gas-liquid separator acts as an intermediary that transmits pressure information from the hydraulic fluid chamber to the gas chamber. This intermediary mechanism allows a single pressure sensor in the gas chamber to indirectly but accurately measure hydraulic system pressure conditions, eliminating the need for direct pressure sensors in the hydraulic circuit.
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
This system effectively monitors and compares pressure levels within hydraulic accumulators, detecting abnormal conditions and providing timely alerts, thereby ensuring operational health and preventing system failures.
Implementation Method 1
a movable separator disposed between the first and second chambers
Implementation Method 2
a pressure sensor coupled to the first chamber; and a control unit operatively connected to the pressure sensor, the control unit configured to receive pressure readings from the pressure sensor
Data Source
AI summary
An accumulator pressure monitoring system for monitoring pressure in a hydraulic circuit. The accumulator includes a first chamber filled with a gas, a second chamber filled with a liquid and a movable separator disposed between the first and second chambers. A pressure sensor measures the pressure in the first chamber; and a control unit receives pressure readings from the pressure sensor and compares the pressure readings to threshold pressure values and may control the accumulator based upon this comparison.