Hydraulic Coupling Release Using Single-Conduit Leak-Free Uncoupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing coupling systems for hydraulic cylinders used in offshore constructions often result in hydraulic liquid leakage when uncoupled, as they require multiple conduits and lack efficient pressure-controlled mechanisms for uncoupling and evacuation.
Innovation Solution
A method and coupling system that utilizes a single hydraulic conduit to control the uncoupling process through operating, evacuation, and uncoupling pressures, activating shut-off valves and a hydraulically controllable release to prevent leakage by evacuating liquid from the cylinder before uncoupling and using a retracting pin mechanism to separate coupling halves.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional coupling systems are uncoupled, then the coupling can be separated from the cylinder, but hydraulic liquid leaks into the sea
Solution Approach 1:
The shut-off valves are activated in advance before uncoupling occurs. The hydraulic liquid is evacuated from the cylinder through the supply conduit before the coupling is separated, preventing leakage into the sea. This preliminary evacuation action ensures that when uncoupling happens, no hydraulic liquid is present to leak.
Solution Approach 2:
The supply conduit serves as an intermediary channel that enables both hydraulic liquid delivery during operation and controlled evacuation during uncoupling. By using the same conduit for both purposes with the help of shut-off valves, the system prevents direct leakage to the sea while maintaining operational functionality.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple hydraulic conduits are used for uncoupling and evacuation, then control functionality is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The supply conduit is designed to perform multiple functions: delivering hydraulic liquid to the cylinder during operation, evacuating hydraulic liquid from the cylinder during uncoupling, and providing control pressure to activate shut-off valves and the release mechanism. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate conduits for each function, reducing system complexity while maintaining full control capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system merges the functions of hydraulic supply, evacuation, and control into a single supply conduit. By combining these functions and using pressure-controlled valves within the system, the patent reduces the number of required conduits from multiple separate lines to one integrated conduit system.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If hydraulic liquid is evacuated from the cylinder before uncoupling, then leakage is prevented, but additional time is required for the evacuation process
Solution Approach 1:
The evacuation of hydraulic liquid from the cylinder occurs continuously through the supply conduit during the uncoupling sequence. The shut-off valves maintain continuous control over the hydraulic liquid flow, ensuring that evacuation proceeds without interruption until completion, thereby minimizing the time required while preventing leakage.
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 effectively prevents hydraulic liquid leakage during uncoupling, allows for the evacuation of liquid from the cylinder, and enables the removal of the coupling system without liquid discharge, reducing environmental impact and operational complexity.
Implementation Method 1
providing an operating pressure prevailing in the supply conduit in order to provide hydraulic liquid to the cylinder on the basis thereof; and providing an uncoupling pressure prevailing in the supply conduit for the purpose of: activating shut-off valves in the supply conduit and on the cylinder; and activating a release which uncouples the coupling
Implementation Method 2
a retracting pin (8) which can be moved between an extended position in which the coupling is coupled and a retracted position in which the coupling is uncoupled
Data Source
AI summary
A method for selectively coupling or uncoupling a coupling with a release, arranged between the supply conduit and a cylinder, on the basis of pressure in a supply conduit. The method includes providing an operating pressure prevailing in the supply conduit in order to provide hydraulic liquid to the cylinder on the basis thereof and providing an uncoupling pressure prevailing in the supply conduit for the purpose of activating shut-off valves in the supply conduit and on the cylinder and activating a release which uncouples the coupling. A coupling for respectively coupling and uncoupling a supply conduit which is connected to the coupling to/from a cylinder, as well as to an assembly including a pump, a cylinder, a supply conduit between the pump and the cylinder, and such a coupling.