Fluid Operation Control Module for Remote Machine Servicing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for fluid maintenance in large machinery, such as diesel engines, are inefficient due to inconveniently located fluid ports, leading to prolonged downtime and increased maintenance costs, and lack effective data collection and analysis for optimizing maintenance schedules.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for fluid evacuation and refill processes that utilize a portable fluid transfer conduit with a flow control mechanism, including a pump and valve system, to efficiently manage fluid operations, and a control module for data collection and analysis to optimize maintenance timing and sequencing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If fluid ports are located at the bottom of the machine to utilize gravity flow, then fluid evacuation is simplified, but the outlet port becomes inconveniently located and maintenance time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a portable fluid transfer conduit system that extends the fluid transfer operation into a new spatial dimension - using flexible hoses and remote pumping capabilities to access fluid ports that are physically difficult to reach, thereby resolving the contradiction between gravity-based evacuation simplicity and port accessibility
2Reliability
If multiple evacuations and refills of fluid receptacles are performed during maintenance, then complete fluid replacement is achieved, but maintenance downtime increases
Solution Approach 1:
The portable pumping system enables continuous fluid evacuation and refill operations without interruption, allowing maintenance personnel to perform complete fluid replacements in a single continuous operation rather than multiple discrete evacuations, thereby reducing total maintenance downtime while ensuring complete fluid replacement
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible fluid transfer conduit acts as an intermediary that bridges the gap between fluid receptacles in difficult-to-access locations and the pumping system, enabling efficient fluid transfer operations that reduce the number of evacuation cycles needed and minimize maintenance downtime
3Productivity
If data collection and analysis systems are implemented during fluid operations, then maintenance scheduling is optimized, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates sensors and data collection capabilities that monitor fluid operation parameters in real-time, providing feedback that enables optimized maintenance scheduling based on actual fluid conditions and machine operation data, thereby improving maintenance efficiency while managing system complexity through intelligent monitoring
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 system reduces maintenance downtime and costs by facilitating efficient fluid management and data-driven maintenance scheduling, improving the longevity and performance of machinery components.
Implementation Method 1
A portable fluid transfer conduit system 10 is utilized that includes a flow control mechanism, such as a pump 128 and valve system
Implementation Method 2
A portable fluid transfer conduit system 10 is utilized that includes a flow control mechanism, such as a pump 128 and valve system
Data Source
AI summary
A system. The system includes a power source, a control module of a machine, and a fluid component. The fluid component is configured to establish an electrical connection between the power source and the control module during performance of a fluid operation on the machine when the machine is powered down.