Hydraulic Hose Squeeze Tool for Remote Flow Shutoff
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hydraulic squeeze tools for lay flat or poly hoses are inefficient, requiring multiple operators and significant time to stop fluid flow, and pose safety risks due to the need for manual operation in hazardous environments.
Innovation Solution
A hydraulic squeeze tool with high-pressure cylinders and U- or V-shaped compression mechanism, allowing remote operation and rapid fluid flow control in pipes up to 16 inches in diameter, featuring a safety flow divider and check valves for stability and safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional manual hydraulic squeeze tools are used, then the tool can stop fluid flow in hoses, but it requires multiple operators and significant time (20-30 minutes) to effectively halt flow
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies hydraulic principles by using a hydraulic cylinder to generate the squeezing force needed to compress the hose. The hydraulic system provides amplified force compared to manual operation, enabling rapid hose compression and flow cessation without requiring multiple operators or extended time periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the traditional manual mechanical operation (hand-cranked or lever-operated squeeze tools) with an automated hydraulic system. This substitution eliminates the need for multiple operators to manually operate the tool and reduces the time required to achieve effective hose compression and flow stopping.
2Ease of operation
If traditional manual squeeze tools are used, then the tool can compress hoses, but operators must be in close proximity to hazardous shutoff areas posing safety risks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces the hydraulic cylinder as an intermediary between the operator and the hose compression task. The operator controls the hydraulic system from a safe distance, and the hydraulic force is transmitted through fluid pressure to the squeeze mechanism, eliminating the need for operators to be in close proximity to hazardous shutoff areas.
Solution Approach 2:
By replacing manual mechanical operation with hydraulic actuation, the system allows operators to control hose compression remotely through hydraulic fluid pressure, thereby eliminating exposure to hazardous environments while maintaining effective hose compression capability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If traditional squeeze tools are used, then the tool can stop flow in smaller hoses, but it cannot adequately kink pipes requiring multiple operators
Solution Approach 1:
The hydraulic cylinder provides amplified force that can adequately compress hoses of various sizes, from small to large diameters. The hydraulic system's force multiplication capability allows a single operator to control the squeeze tool effectively on hoses that would otherwise require multiple operators, while maintaining adaptability across different hose sizes.
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
Enables efficient and safe fluid flow management, reducing labor and time required to halt fluid flow, especially in inaccessible or hazardous locations, and eliminating the need for heavy machinery.
Implementation Method 1
The hydraulic squeeze tool employs high-pressure cylinders to apply a controlled, U- or V-shaped compression to pipes or hoses
Implementation Method 2
high-pressure cylinders to apply a controlled, U- or V-shaped compression to pipes or hoses, effectively restricting or ceasing flow
Implementation Method 3
Check valves (3A) are included to hold oil in each cylinder (2) in the event one of the hydraulic hoses (3) breaks
Implementation Method 4
a flow diverter box (6) that sends equal amounts of oil to each cylinder (2) so they both extend and retract at the same time
Data Source
AI summary
This invention relates to a new and improved hydraulic squeeze tool for compressing and stopping flow through a lay flat or poly hose, such invention engineered to increase the speed and efficiency when cutting flow and fluid transfers in pipe and hose systems in domestic, commercial, or heavy industrial applications.