Nested Flexible Conduit for Automated Fluid Evacuation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing fluid conduit systems face challenges in efficiently evacuating fluids, especially in applications where temperature changes, freezing, reactivity, or safety concerns require the fluid to be returned to a supply vessel without manual draining, which can lead to spills and labor-intensive processes.

Innovation Solution

A closed system comprising a pressurized gas reservoir, a non-compressible outer rigid conduit, and an inner flexible conduit that expands or collapses based on pressure differences to facilitate the flow and evacuation of fluids, eliminating the need for external power or maintenance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If manual draining is used to evacuate fluid from conduits, then labor-intensive processes and risk of spills occur, but the system structure remains simple

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefluid evacuation processVSAvoidconduit system structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a nested conduit configuration where an inner flexible evacuation conduit is positioned within an outer rigid supply conduit. The inner conduit can collapse to evacuate fluid from the outer conduit, enabling automated fluid removal without manual intervention while maintaining a relatively simple overall system structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The system enables self-service fluid evacuation through pressure differentials. When fluid flow stops, the flexible inner conduit collapses under atmospheric pressure or vacuum, automatically drawing fluid back into the supply vessel without requiring external power or manual draining operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Reliability

If pressurized gas reservoir is added to enable automated fluid evacuation, then spill-free operation is achieved, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespill-free evacuationVSAvoidclosed system structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent utilizes pneumatic principles by introducing a pressurized gas reservoir that applies pressure to a flexible diaphragm or bladder. This pneumatic mechanism drives the evacuation process, ensuring reliable spill-free operation while using gas pressure rather than complex mechanical actuators.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

Solution Approach 2:

The system employs flexible shells including collapsible conduits and bladders that respond to pressure changes. These flexible elements enable automated fluid evacuation through collapse and expansion movements, achieving reliable spill-free operation through passive mechanical response to pressure differentials.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

3Productivity

If inner flexible conduit is used to enable flow control through expansion and collapse, then fluid evacuation efficiency is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefluid evacuation efficiencyVSAvoidconduit assembly construction

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent incorporates dynamic elements where the inner conduit transitions between expanded and collapsed states based on fluid flow conditions. This dynamic behavior enables efficient fluid evacuation during operation while the collapsed state facilitates easy installation and assembly, balancing manufacturing ease with operational efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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 enables efficient and spill-free evacuation of fluids without manual intervention, reducing labor and risk of spills, and can be applied in various orientations and configurations for different fluid types, including hazardous or volatile liquids.

Implementation Method 1

Relative differences between the pressurized first fluid and the second fluid enable the inner flexible conduit to either expand and permit free flow of the second fluid therethrough, or collapse and evacuate flow of the second fluid therefrom

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressure gradient: Pressure Gradient

Implementation Method 2

An inner flexible conduit is provided for conducing a second fluid therethrough upon application of a supply pressure. The inner flexible conduit is disposed within the outer rigid conduit, and is subjected to the pressurized first fluid in surrounding relationship therewith

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS9334777B2Fluid conduit arrangement

Publication Date: 2016.05.10 HARTMANN CONTROLS

AI summary

A fluid conduit arrangement includes a reservoir containing a pressurized gas therein. An outer rigid conduit in communication with the reservoir contains a first working fluid under pressure from the pressurized gas within a closed system defined by the reservoir and the outer rigid conduit. An inner flexible conduit is provided for conducting a second working fluid therethrough upon application of a supply pressure. The inner flexible conduit is disposed within the outer rigid conduit, and is subjected to the pressurized first working fluid in surrounding relationship therewith. Relative differences between the pressurized first working fluid and the second working fluid enable the inner flexible conduit to either expand and permit free flow of the second working fluid therethrough, or collapse and evacuate flow of the second working fluid therefrom.