Automated Pressure-Vacuum Testing for Fluid-Carrying Components
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Solution Overview
Problem
Fire departments face significant logistical challenges in testing fluid-carrying components due to the lack of dedicated facilities, leading to time-consuming and error-prone manual testing processes that require multiple steps and recoupling of components, with inadequate documentation.
Innovation Solution
A testing device equipped with a control device that automates the testing process, utilizing pressure and vacuum devices to perform tests according to operator instructions, reducing manual effort and errors, and enabling simultaneous testing of multiple components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If manual testing processes are used in existing smaller test facilities, then testing can be performed independently of larger test halls, but the testing process becomes time-consuming and error-prone due to many manual test steps and recoupling requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The testing device enables self-service operation where the system automatically performs test steps, pressure application, vacuum generation, and documentation without requiring manual recoupling or extensive operator intervention. The automated control unit manages the entire testing sequence, allowing the device to serve itself through programmable test routines.
2Reliability
If manual testing processes are used with multiple test steps, then comprehensive testing can be performed, but operator effort increases and errors become more likely
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical operations with an automated control unit that electronically manages the testing process. The control unit automatically sequences test steps, controls pressure and vacuum application, and manages documentation, substituting manual mechanical manipulation with automated electronic control to reduce operator effort while maintaining testing completeness.
3Adaptability or versatility
If components must be recoupled for different test steps, then various test requirements can be met, but the process becomes more complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The testing device incorporates multi-functionality by integrating pressure generation, vacuum generation, and multiple test connection options (first and second test connections) into a single universal platform. The control unit coordinates these different functions to perform various test types without requiring component recoupling, allowing one device to fulfill multiple testing requirements simultaneously.
4Reliability
If proper documentation is required for testing, then testing reliability improves, but the manual documentation process increases time and effort
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit implements automated feedback by continuously monitoring test parameters and automatically recording test results and documentation. The system provides real-time feedback on test status and automatically documents outcomes without manual intervention, ensuring accurate record-keeping while eliminating the time and effort previously required for manual documentation processes.
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 device allows for efficient, safe, and reliable testing of fluid-carrying components at any location, minimizing operator effort and errors, while ensuring proper documentation and increasing testing speed and safety.
Implementation Method 1
The pressure device comprises in particular a pump, preferably a hydraulic pump, with which a test fluid, in particular a test liquid, such as test water, can be pumped into the component
Implementation Method 2
The vacuum device also comprises a pump, preferably a hydraulic pump, in particular a vacuum pump, with which a predetermined negative pressure, i.e. a pressure lower than ambient pressure, can be generated in the component to be tested
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a testing device for testing fluid-carrying components, in particular fluid-carrying fittings and/or fluid-carrying hoses, comprising at least one test connection for connecting at least one component to be tested, further comprising at least one pressure device for generating a predetermined test pressure in the component to be tested and/or at least one vacuum device for generating a predetermined vacuum in the component to be tested, wherein the testing device comprises a control device which is designed to carry out a testing process of the at least one component to be tested according to the instructions of an operator.