Multiple Action Fluid Evacuation System for Complete Reservoir Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid conduit systems often fail to completely evacuate fluids due to conduit orientation and connector issues, leading to fluid retention, especially in applications where temperature, pressure, or chemical changes cause viscosity or phase changes, which can result in fluid freezing or contamination.
Innovation Solution
A multiple action fluid evacuation system that includes a pressure source, fluid and pressure sensors, and a processing module to ensure complete evacuation by using a controllable pressure source to collapse the inner conduit, and a method to confirm fluid removal, with optional features like an overpressure valve and pressure releasing valve, ensuring all fluid is evacuated from the inner conduit and connected devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a simple conduit arrangement is used for fluid transfer, then the device complexity is low, but fluid evacuation is incomplete due to orientation and connector issues
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the evacuation process into multiple sequential actions: initial evacuation, pressure relief, air filling, and repeat evacuation cycles. This segmentation allows complete fluid removal by addressing different portions of fluid in the conduit system at different stages, resolving the contradiction between simple structure and complete evacuation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions before final evacuation by first relieving pressure and filling the conduit with air. This preliminary preparation enables subsequent evacuation cycles to be more effective, ensuring complete fluid removal while maintaining a relatively simple overall system structure.
2Reliability
If pressure is continuously applied to evacuate fluid, then fluid evacuation is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses periodic pressure application rather than continuous pressure. Pressure is applied in cycles: evacuate fluid, relieve pressure, fill with air, then evacuate again. This periodic action achieves complete evacuation while significantly reducing energy consumption compared to continuous pressure application.
Solution Approach 2:
The system maintains continuity of useful action by immediately following pressure relief with air filling, which prepares the conduit for the next evacuation cycle. This continuous sequence ensures complete evacuation over time while minimizing energy waste through systematic cycling rather than prolonged continuous pressure application.
3Reliability
If the conduit arrangement is heated to prevent fluid freezing, then fluid flow is maintained, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system extracts the fluid from the conduit arrangement completely through multiple evacuation cycles, eliminating the need for continuous heating to prevent freezing. By removing the fluid entirely, the system avoids the ongoing energy cost of heating while ensuring complete transfer to the receiving reservoir.
4Measurement precision
If multiple sensors and control systems are added to ensure complete evacuation, then measurement precision improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses fluid sensors to detect fluid presence and provides feedback to the control system, which adjusts the evacuation cycles accordingly. This feedback mechanism ensures complete evacuation by continuing the cycling process until no fluid remains, achieving high measurement precision without requiring overly complex control logic.
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 effectively prevents fluid retention by ensuring complete evacuation, even in hazardous or volatile fluid environments, reducing energy consumption and preventing contamination by ensuring all fluid is transferred to the receiving reservoir.
Implementation Method 1
a controllable pressure source to force the collapse of the inner conduit and force fluid in the inner conduit into the receiving reservoir
Implementation Method 2
a fluid sensor to detect if fluid remains present in the inner conduit or contingent/connected devices
Implementation Method 3
a pressure sensor to monitor pressure in the outer conduit
Implementation Method 4
an overpressure valve (relief valve) to provide safety in the event of excessive pressure
Data Source
AI summary
A multiple action forced fluid evacuation system includes a reservoir for receiving a working fluid therein, and a shutoff valve provided in the reservoir. An outer rigid conduit and an inner flexible conduit are connected between the shutoff valve and a receiver. A processing module is provided for at least controlling pressurized gas between the outer conduit and the inner conduit, and is operatively connected to the outer conduit and the inner conduit. A nozzle has one end in fluid communication with a source of the working fluid, and an opposite end removably coupled to the receiver. The nozzle normally enables flow of the working fluid through the inner conduit to the reservoir when the nozzle is connected to the receiver until the working fluid in the reservoir activates the shutoff valve causing the nozzle to cease flow of the working fluid leaving a portion of the working fluid trapped in the receiver and the inner conduit. Removal of the nozzle from the receiver activates the processing module and causes the portion of the working fluid trapped in the inner conduit and the receiver to be completely and sequentially evacuated into the reservoir.