Drained-Chamber Hydraulic System Non-Return Valve Drainage

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing hydraulic systems with retractable pistons require a specific drain pipe for the intermediate chamber, which complicates shaft machining and increases mechanical strength requirements.

Innovation Solution

Connecting the intermediate chamber to one of the main pipes via a non-return valve that allows fluid circulation only from the intermediate chamber to the main pipe, eliminating the need for a specific drain pipe by utilizing the main pipes for drainage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a specific drain pipe is machined in the shaft for the intermediate chamber, then the intermediate chamber can be drained effectively, but the shaft machining becomes complex and mechanical strength requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedrainage effectivenessVSAvoidshaft machining complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The main pipes are designed to serve dual functions: hydraulic fluid supply/exhaust and drainage of the intermediate chamber. By equipping the main pipes with non-return valves, they can automatically drain the intermediate chamber when pressure conditions permit, eliminating the need for a dedicated drain pipe and reducing shaft machining complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The drainage system utilizes the existing pressure differentials in the hydraulic system itself to drive drainage flow. The non-return valves on the main pipes automatically open when intermediate chamber pressure exceeds main pipe pressure, allowing self-regulating drainage without external control mechanisms or additional power consumption

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple pipes are machined in the shaft for hydraulic operations, then the hydraulic device can function properly, but the shaft must be dimensioned larger to accommodate multiple pipes, increasing size and reducing mechanical strength

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehydraulic functionalityVSAvoidshaft mechanical strength
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The main pipes are designed to serve dual functions: hydraulic fluid supply/exhaust and drainage of the intermediate chamber. By equipping the main pipes with non-return valves, they can automatically drain the intermediate chamber when pressure conditions permit, eliminating the need for a dedicated drain pipe and reducing shaft machining complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The drainage function is merged with the existing main pipes rather than being implemented as a separate system. The non-return valves enable the main pipes to dynamically switch between hydraulic operations and drainage operations, consolidating multiple functions into existing structural elements and preserving shaft integrity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Reliability

If the intermediate chamber is connected to a drain pipe, then pressure rises in the chamber are avoided and the second sealing element is protected, but an additional pipe requires special machining and increases device complexity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesealing element protectionVSAvoidpipe system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The main pipes are designed to serve dual functions: hydraulic fluid supply/exhaust and drainage of the intermediate chamber. By equipping the main pipes with non-return valves, they can automatically drain the intermediate chamber when pressure conditions permit, eliminating the need for a dedicated drain pipe and reducing shaft machining complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The non-return valve acts as an intermediary mechanism that enables the main pipes to perform drainage function. The valve mediates between the hydraulic operations and drainage requirements, allowing the existing main pipes to serve dual purposes without requiring additional dedicated drainage infrastructure

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 solution effectively drains the intermediate chamber without additional machining, maintaining the mechanical integrity and strength of the shaft while ensuring reliable sealing and pressure management during piston operation.

Implementation Method 1

a non-return valve (30) which allows the fluid to circulate only in a direction from the intermediate chamber (24) towards the main pipe (1)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPressure differential: Pressure Gradient

Implementation Method 2

the non-return valve (30) which allows the fluid to circulate only in a direction from the intermediate chamber (24) towards the main pipe (1)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCheck valve mechanism: Valve

Data Source

PatentEP3308026B1Drained-chamber hydraulic system
Publication Date: 2020.10.07 POCLAIN HYDRAULICS IND
  • EP3308026B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3308026B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3308026B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a hydraulic system including a housing (10) in which a hydraulic apparatus (12) is arranged, main pipes (1, 2) for the hydraulic apparatus power supply and exhaust, a shaft (14) that is inserted in the housing, and a sealing device (16) between the shaft and the housing, said sealing device including two sealing elements (20, 22) arranged on the shaft and providing an intermediate chamber (24) therebetween. The system comprises a connection (26, 28B) between the intermediate chamber (24) and one (1) of the main pipes. Said connection is provided with a non-return valve (30) that allows fluid flow only in the direction leading from the intermediate chamber (24) to said one of the main pipes (1).