Locking Valve Body Assembly for Hydraulic Hammer Nitrogen Containment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Hydraulic hammers require periodic maintenance that involves disassembly, during which the pressurized nitrogen in the accumulator can leak, causing inefficiencies and potential damage, as there is no mechanism to prevent unwanted discharge during disassembly.
Innovation Solution
A locking valve body assembly that uses a pressurized fluid to bias a locking member into a locking configuration, preventing the retainer member from being removed in a specific direction until the fluid is discharged, thereby ensuring safe disassembly by maintaining the nitrogen pressure until intended.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of repair
If the valve body is disassembled for maintenance, then maintenance access is enabled, but pressurized nitrogen may leak causing inefficiency and potential damage
Solution Approach 1:
The locking member is positioned in advance to lock the valve body in its closed position before maintenance begins. The retainer member is pre-configured to engage with the locking member, creating a mechanical interlock that prevents accidental opening. This preliminary mechanical constraint ensures nitrogen containment is maintained throughout the maintenance process.
2Reliability
If a locking mechanism is added to prevent nitrogen discharge, then safety is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking member acts as an intermediary element between the valve body and retainer member. It translates the simple linear motion of the retainer member into a rotational locking action on the valve body, providing a reliable locking mechanism with minimal additional complexity. The locking member's L-shape allows it to engage both the valve body groove and the retainer member feature.
3Reliability
If the valve body is locked in closed position, then nitrogen leakage is prevented, but intentional discharge becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism transitions from a static locked state to a dynamic unlocked state through controlled manipulation. The operator can intentionally discharge nitrogen by manually rotating the valve body to disengage the locking member from the retainer member's blocking feature. This dynamic transition allows the system to switch between containment and discharge modes as needed.
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
Prevents unintended discharge of pressurized fluid during maintenance, ensuring safe and controlled disassembly of hydraulic hammer components, reducing the risk of nitrogen leakage and maintaining operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a locking member (108) that is configured to be biased by pressurized fluid into a locking configuration
Data Source
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AI summary
A method of regulating the disassembly of a component from a powered tool assembly that uses a pressurized fluid and a locking member that is in operative association or communication with the fluid is provided. The method comprises biasing the locking member into a locked configuration using the pressurized fluid, preventing movement of the component in a first predetermined direction.