Fluid Control Module Activation for Portable Machine Servicing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current 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, as well as a lack of data collection and analysis to extend component life and optimize 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, with data collection and analysis capabilities to optimize maintenance and reduce downtime.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If fluid ports are located at the bottom of the machine for gravity flow, then fluid evacuation is simplified, but the outlet port becomes inconveniently located and maintenance time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary device (portable fluid transfer conduit with pump) that mediates between the bottom-located fluid port and the operator. The conduit with pump acts as a mobile intermediary that can be positioned at the inconveniently located outlet port, allowing fluid evacuation without requiring the operator to access difficult-to-reach locations while maintaining the benefit of gravity flow from bottom-located ports.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent moves the fluid evacuation process from a fixed location (bottom of machine) to a mobile platform (portable conduit system). By introducing portability and mobility as new dimensions, the system can access inconveniently located ports while maintaining the simplicity of gravity flow evacuation, effectively resolving the spatial contradiction between port location and operator accessibility.
2Productivity
If conventional maintenance methods are used without data collection, then equipment operates under adverse conditions, but component useful life is reduced due to lack of performance monitoring
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism by collecting and analyzing fluid operation data (temperature, pressure, flow rate, time) during maintenance activities. This feedback loop allows the system to monitor component performance in real-time, identify degradation trends, and adjust maintenance schedules accordingly, thereby extending component useful life while maintaining equipment productivity through data-driven decision making.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary data collection and analysis during fluid evacuation and refill operations to predict future maintenance needs. By gathering performance data before components fail and analyzing trends in advance, the system can schedule maintenance proactively, extending component life while minimizing downtime and maintaining productivity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple fluid evacuations and refills are performed manually, then fluid receptacles can be serviced, but maintenance performance is not optimized and downtime increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the fluid maintenance system to serve itself by automatically collecting data during evacuation and refill operations, analyzing performance metrics, and optimizing subsequent maintenance activities. The system uses its own operational data to improve its efficiency, reducing downtime for future maintenance while maintaining versatility in servicing various fluid receptacles.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical maintenance operations with an automated data-driven system. Instead of relying on operator experience and manual timing of fluid operations, the system uses electronic sensors, data collection, and automated analysis to optimize maintenance schedules, significantly reducing downtime while maintaining the capability to service multiple types of fluid receptacles.
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 enables efficient fluid management, reduces downtime, and extends the life of machinery components by improving maintenance scheduling and performance monitoring through data analysis.
Implementation Method 1
A pump and valve system controls the flow of fluid from a fluid system of a machine
Implementation Method 2
A pump and valve system controls the flow of fluid from a fluid system of a machine
Data Source
AI summary
A system. The system includes a control module of a fluid system of a machine, a battery, a fluid component and an electrical circuit. The electrical circuit is configured to electrically couple the battery to the control module via the fluid component, and to activate the control module when the machine is powered down.