Hydraulic Tool Safety Valve With Fluid Bypass Lockout
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional hydraulic and pneumatic tools often require two operators, leading to fatigue, decreased concentration, and increased risk of injury due to improper communication and potential hand trapping between the tool and equipment, especially in environments like mining where multiple bolts need to be loosened or tightened.
Innovation Solution
A safety valve system for hydraulic or pneumatic tools that includes a diverter mechanism between incoming and return fluid passages, which can be actuated to prevent tool operation when not in use, ensuring safe handling by allowing fluid to bypass the tool head and return to the reservoir, thus preventing accidental activation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If two operators are used to operate the tool, then the tool can be controlled safely, but operator fatigue and injury risk increase due to loss of concentration and improper communication
Solution Approach 1:
The tool head incorporates a manual override mechanism that allows the operator to directly control and stop the tool head's operation independently of the pump operator. This self-service capability enables the positioning operator to immediately halt the tool if danger is detected, eliminating the need to rely on communication with the pump operator and reducing injury risk from fatigue and loss of concentration.
2Ease of operation
If a manual override is provided on the tool head, then the positioning operator can stop the tool head immediately, but the tool head may be accidentally activated when not in use
Solution Approach 1:
A safety valve is installed in the fluid supply line to the tool head that maintains a blocked state by default, preventing fluid from reaching the tool head. The manual override on the tool head is designed to temporarily open this safety valve only when actively engaged. This preliminary anti-action ensures the tool head cannot be accidentally activated during handling or storage, as the safety valve remains closed unless the override is deliberately actuated.
3Use of energy by moving object
If the pump operator activates the pump before the tool is positioned, then fluid supply is ready, but the positioning operator's hand may be trapped between the tool and equipment
Solution Approach 1:
The safety valve acts as an intermediary between the pump operator's fluid supply control and the tool head operation. Even when the pump operator supplies fluid to the system, the safety valve blocks fluid flow to the tool head unless the positioning operator actively engages the manual override. This intermediary mechanism decouples the pump operation from tool head activation, allowing the pump to be ready while the tool head remains inert until the positioning operator is prepared.
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 safety valve system enhances operator safety by preventing tool operation when not intended, reducing the risk of injury and allowing single-operator use in scenarios where fluid activation is not under direct control, thereby improving operational safety and reducing the likelihood of accidents.
Implementation Method 1
the diverter redirects fluid via a shunting passage from the incoming fluid passage to the return passage to prevent operation of the tool head
Implementation Method 2
biasing means operatively biasing the diverter into either the active or inactive position
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a safety valve (10) comprising a body (12) which defines an incoming fluid passage (14) and a return fluid passage (20). The incoming fluid passage (14) generally enables a fluid to pass from a fluid reservoir (18) through the body (12) to the tool head (16). The return fluid passage (20) generally enables a fluid to return from the tool head (16) through the body back to the fluid reservoir (18). The body (12) further comprises a diverter (22) which is displaceable between an active position and an inactive position. When the diverter (22) is in the active position, the diverter (22) redirects the fluid via a shunting passage (24) from the incoming fluid passage (14) to the return passage (20) to prevent operation of the tool head (16).