Screen-Free Pressure Accumulator With Hat-Like Membrane Mounting

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing pressure accumulators in rock breaking machines have disadvantages such as dead volume from screens, complexity, weight, and high costs, which affect the efficient storage and release of pressure energy.

Innovation Solution

A screen-free pressure accumulator design featuring a casing, elastic membrane, and flange element with radial side walls and a hat-like configuration, allowing for compact, lightweight, and inexpensive storage of pressurized fluid, with integrated sealing and non-return valve functionality, and easy mounting and servicing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Volume of stationary object

If a screen is used to support the membrane in the pressure accumulator, then the membrane is mechanically supported and stable, but dead volume is created reducing the effective storage capacity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveeffective storage volumeVSAvoidmembrane support stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of stationary objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The invention removes the screen component from the pressure accumulator design. Instead of using a screen to support the membrane, the membrane is directly mounted to the casing at its edges, eliminating the screen and its associated dead volume while maintaining membrane support through alternative means.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The membrane mounting structure is integrated directly with the casing. The edges of the membrane are mounted between the casing and a mounting flange, combining the support function into the existing structural components rather than requiring a separate screen element.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Reliability

If traditional pressure accumulator design with screen and multiple components is used, then structural stability is achieved, but the device becomes complex, heavy and expensive

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidaccumulator structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts and removes unnecessary components such as the screen and complex mounting structures from the pressure accumulator design, retaining only the essential elements needed for functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

Multiple functions are merged into fewer components. The mounting flange integrates both the membrane support function and the structural connection to the casing, eliminating the need for separate screen and mounting components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 3:

The mounting flange serves multiple functions: it supports the membrane edges, provides structural connection to the casing, and maintains the pressure seal. This multi-functional component replaces several traditional separate parts.

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

3Reliability

If a screen is included in the pressure accumulator, then membrane support is provided, but the accumulator weight and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemembrane supportVSAvoidaccumulator weight
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The screen component is extracted and removed from the design, eliminating its weight while membrane support is maintained through direct mounting to the casing structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The support function traditionally performed by the screen is replicated through the mounting flange and casing structure, achieving the same mechanical support effect without the screen's weight and complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

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 solution enables efficient storage and release of pressure energy with reduced dead volume, improved durability, and simplified maintenance, enhancing the operational efficiency and reliability of rock breaking machines.

Implementation Method 1

an elastic membrane (16) arranged inside the casing (10)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

A gas space (17) is prefilled with pressurized gas... making the pre-filled gas on the opposite side of the membrane compress. Then the structure simultaneously stores energy

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGas compression: Compression

Data Source

PatentEP3858550A1Pressure accumulator, rock breaking machine and method for storing pressure energy
Publication Date: 2021.08.04 SANDVIK MINING & CONSTR OY
  • EP3858550A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3858550A1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3858550A1 patent drawingFigure 5~7

AI summary

A pressure accumulator, rock breaking machine and method of storing pressure energy. The accumulator (8) comprises a casing (10) and an elastic membrane (16) arranged inside the casing. The membrane divides an inner space of the casing into two separate pressure spaces. A gas space (17) is prefilled with pressurized gas. On the opposite side of the membrane is a hydraulic space (18) for receiving hydraulic fluid. The membrane is a hat-like element comprising side walls, a mounting flange (21) at its open end (549) and a closed top end (53). The mounting flange of the membrane is mounted between the casing and a flange element (13). The accumulator is without a screen. The flange element is provided with a sealing (23) for sealing a piston (9).