Manifold Block Pressure And Flow Limiting for Vacuum Material Handlers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Hydraulically powered equipment, such as vacuum material handlers, are vulnerable to fluid pressure and flow rate inconsistencies from non-conforming hydraulic supplies, which can lead to damage or malfunction.
Innovation Solution
A manifold block is introduced to provide bidirectional flow control, protecting the equipment by managing fluid pressure and flow rates through a system with pressure and flow controllers, allowing selection of flow paths via an A/B switch, and incorporating pressure relief valves to maintain safe operational limits.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If hydraulically powered equipment is connected directly to a hydraulic supply with non-conforming specifications, then the equipment can operate, but it risks damage from excessive fluid pressure or flow rate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a flow control block as an intermediary device between the hydraulic supply and the hydraulically powered equipment. This block contains flow controllers and pressure relief valves that mediate the hydraulic fluid flow, limiting pressure and flow rate to safe levels for the equipment while allowing direct connection to various hydraulic supplies with different specifications.
2Reliability
If flow control devices are added to protect equipment, then equipment safety improves, but the hydraulic system becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple protective functions (flow control in both directions, pressure relief) into a single integrated flow control block. This merging of functions into one compact device provides comprehensive equipment protection while minimizing the increase in overall system complexity compared to using separate control devices for each function.
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 manifold block effectively safeguards hydraulically powered equipment by regulating fluid flow and pressure in both directions, ensuring operation within predetermined limits, thereby preventing damage from excessive hydraulic supply parameters.
Implementation Method 1
A first flow controller in the manifold block body is provided for controlling a fluid flow rate of fluid passing out of the first interface port. A second flow controller in the manifold block body is provided for controlling a fluid flow rate of fluid passing out of the second interface port.
Implementation Method 2
A first pressure controller in the manifold block body is provided for controlling a pressure of fluid passing out of the first interface port. A second pressure controller in the manifold block body is provided for controlling a pressure of fluid passing out of the second interface port.
Implementation Method 3
incorporating pressure relief valves to maintain safe operational limits
Data Source
AI summary
A manifold block is provided for locating between a hydraulic pressure supply and a piece of equipment, such as a material handler. The manifold block allows for bidirectional flow and provides both flow and pressure control in the supply direction, but not in the return direction. The manifold block allows for the equipment to be protected from experiencing fluid pressure or a flow rate that is higher than limits set in the manifold block, thereby protecting hydraulically powered equipment, e.g., a material handler, regardless of the hydraulic supply parameters of a machine to which it is attached.