Hydraulic Coupling Pressurization Using Stored Pressure Data

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing coupling connections lack a secure and convenient method for pressurization and re-pressurization, often requiring manual lookup of predetermined pressure values, which can lead to incorrect settings and reduced operational efficiency due to manufacturing tolerances and varying use cases.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating a memory device, such as a ROM and RAM, into the coupling connection to store predetermined pressure values and usage history, with a handheld control device for wireless communication and data connection, allowing easy access and adaptation of pressure settings, and integrating a torque measurement sensor for real-time adjustments.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If manual lookup of predetermined pressure values is used, then device complexity is reduced, but reliability deteriorates due to risk of incorrect settings

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepressure setting accuracyVSAvoidsystem structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The coupling connection stores its own predetermined pressure values and usage history in integrated memory devices (ROM and RAM), allowing the system to self-configure without external reference documents. The coupling automatically retrieves the correct pressure value based on its identification, eliminating manual lookup and preventing incorrect settings.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses a handheld control device to read the coupling's identification, retrieve the corresponding pressure value from stored data, and provide feedback to the operator. This closed-loop information flow ensures the correct pressure value is used while maintaining operational simplicity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Ease of operation

If predetermined pressure values are stored in memory devices, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional components

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepressure configurationVSAvoidcoupling structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The memory devices serve multiple functions: storing predetermined pressure values, storing usage history, and providing identification data for the coupling. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components and simplifies the overall system architecture.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses a handheld control device as an intermediary to access and display stored pressure values without requiring the coupling itself to have complex display or input interfaces. The handheld device copies and presents the information, keeping the coupling structure simple.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

3Loss of information

If usage history is stored in memory devices, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of information is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepressurization historyVSAvoiddata storage system
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically records pressurization events, pressure values, and usage data in the RAM memory device during normal operation. This preliminary recording of information ensures that historical data is preserved without requiring manual documentation or external monitoring systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The memory devices are integrated within the coupling connection structure, with ROM and RAM nested inside the coupling housing. This nested arrangement minimizes the space required for data storage while maintaining the portability and simplicity of the overall system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

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

This solution ensures secure and convenient pressurization and re-pressurization processes by linking the correct pressure values to the coupling connection, reducing the risk of incorrect settings and allowing for real-time adaptation to specific use cases, thereby enhancing operational reliability and efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

a hydraulic chamber (9) is pressurized using a pump (19)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHydraulic pressurization: Hydraulic Press

Implementation Method 2

The input sleeve (5) and the output sleeve (7) are connected by friction force

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Implementation Method 3

In the memory device (21) at least the value of the predetermined pressure is stored

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDigital data storage: Memory Foam

Implementation Method 4

a handheld control device (33) for wireless communication and data connection

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectWireless communication: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 5

integrating a torque measurement sensor for real-time adjustments

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectTorque sensing: Torque

Data Source

PatentEP3208478B1Method and system for digital optimization of torque limiters and connection couplings
Publication Date: 2021.01.20 VOITH PATENT GMBH
  • EP3208478B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3208478B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A coupling connection comprises a memory device. For establishing a connection a hydraulic chamber of the coupling connection is pressurized with a predetermined pressure. Information of the predetermined pressure is stored in the memory device. A system uses information stored on the memory device for pressurization of the coupling connection. The method for pressurization of the hydraulic chamber of the coupling connection comprises the step of reading information stored on the memory device.