Automatic fluid mixture filling device for hydraulic systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Manual filling of hydraulic systems with fluid mixtures, such as geothermal heat pumps, is time-consuming and inefficient due to the need for continuous pressure and concentration measurements to achieve the correct fluid mixture composition, especially when glycol concentration and pressure are not within target ranges.
Innovation Solution
An automated filling device with pressure and concentration sensors, controlled by a controller that adjusts fluid introduction and extraction through multiple incoming and outgoing lines, utilizing a premixed fluid tank to optimize fluid resource use and reduce operator time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If manual filling is performed with continuous pressure and concentration measurements, then the fluid mixture composition can be adjusted to achieve target ranges, but the operator time and filling process duration become excessively long
Solution Approach 1:
The filling device enables self-service operation by automatically performing fluid mixture composition adjustment through integrated sensors, controllers, and automated fluid addition/extraction mechanisms, eliminating the need for continuous manual measurement and adjustment while maintaining precise composition control
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements automated feedback control by using pressure sensors and concentration sensors to continuously monitor fluid mixture parameters, with the controller automatically adjusting fluid addition or extraction based on real-time sensor data to maintain target composition ranges without manual intervention
2Temperature
If the fluid mixture has high pressure and high glycol concentration, then the system can operate at lower temperatures, but the system must be partially emptied to reduce pressure and glycol concentration to achieve target ranges
Solution Approach 1:
The controller dynamically adjusts fluid mixture parameters by automatically adding water or glycol based on real-time sensor feedback, enabling the system to transform from high concentration/high pressure state to target composition range without manual intervention and with minimal fluid loss
Solution Approach 2:
The system recovers and reuses extracted fluid mixture by collecting it in a storage tank, allowing the fluid to be reused in subsequent filling operations rather than being discarded, thereby minimizing fluid loss while achieving target composition ranges
3Manufacturing precision
If continuous measurement and adjustment is performed to achieve target fluid mixture composition, then the correct concentration is achieved, but the filling process becomes complicated and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The filling device integrates multiple functions into a single automated system, combining pressure sensing, concentration sensing, automated fluid addition, automated fluid extraction, and control logic into one unified device that handles the entire composition adjustment process without requiring separate manual operations for each function
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 significantly reduces operator time by automatically adjusting fluid mixture composition within target ranges, efficiently reusing fluid resources and minimizing manual intervention, while ensuring precise control over pressure and concentration.
Implementation Method 1
a pressure sensor connected to the fluid mixture circuit for detecting a pressure of the fluid mixture in the circuit and generating a first signal representing the pressure
Implementation Method 2
a concentration sensor connected to the fluid mixture circuit for detecting a concentration of the second fluid in the fluid mixture and generating a second signal representing the concentration
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention discloses a filling device adapt for filling a hydraulic system with a fluid mixture composed of at least a first fluid and a second fluid. The filling device includes a fluid mixture circuit for being connected to the hydraulic system to allow the fluid mixture to circulate therein; a pressure sensor connected to the fluid mixture circuit for detecting a pressure of the fluid mixture in the circuit and generating a first signal representing the pressure; a concentration sensor connected to the fluid mixture circuit for detecting a concentration of the second fluid in the fluid mixture and generating a second signal representing the concentration; a first incoming line connected to the fluid mixture circuit for introducing the first fluid from a first fluid resource to the circuit; a second incoming line connected to the fluid mixture circuit for introducing the second fluid from a second fluid resource to the circuit; and a controller electrically connected with the pressure sensor and the concentration sensor for receiving the first and the second signals and controlling the introduction of the first fluid and/or the second fluid via the first incoming line and/or the second incoming line based on the signals. The automatic filling device can save the operator's time due to the operator only need to connect it to the hydraulic system and leave it working.