Pneumatic Hydraulic Tool Buffer Valve for Supply Failure

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Solution Overview

Problem

Pneumatically operated hydraulic tools cease functioning if there is a drop in pressure in the input line, leading to incomplete work processes and potential damage to partially set rivets, as they lack a reliable buffer to ensure completion of tasks during compressed air supply failures.

Innovation Solution

A system with a pneumatically operated hydraulic tool, a shut-off valve, and a carriage that includes a buffer storage for pneumatic fluid, allowing the tool to complete ongoing work processes using stored compressed air and preventing new processes from starting after completion, ensuring safe operation without user intervention.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a buffer store is connected via a one-way valve to the compressed air hose, then the tool can complete a work process once started even if compressed air supply fails, but the tool may stop feeding during an ongoing work process when buffer pressure drops

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveability to complete work process during supply failureVSAvoidwork process continuity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a shut-off valve that automatically closes when buffer pressure drops below a threshold, preventing the tool from starting new work processes. This preliminary action ensures that the buffer is reserved for completing ongoing processes, eliminating the problem of buffer exhaustion during work operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The shut-off valve is equipped with a pressure sensor that continuously monitors buffer pressure and provides feedback to the valve control. When pressure drops below the threshold, the feedback signal triggers the valve to close, automatically regulating buffer usage and preventing tool stoppage during ongoing work processes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Reliability

If the compressed air supply is interrupted during rivet setting, then the work process stops before completion, but providing a buffer store allows completion of the first operation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvework process completionVSAvoidpneumatic system configuration
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The shut-off valve with automatic pressure monitoring and control enables the pneumatic system to self-regulate buffer usage without user intervention. The system automatically detects pressure drops and closes the valve, ensuring ongoing work processes can complete while preventing new processes from starting, thus maintaining reliability without requiring user awareness of supply interruptions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If sufficient buffer volume is provided to complete one full stroke work process, then the tool can finish the first operation, but another work process cannot be started due to insufficient pressure

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecompletion of ongoing processVSAvoidcontinuous operation capability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The shut-off valve proactively closes when buffer pressure drops, preventing the tool from attempting to start new work processes. This preliminary action ensures the buffer volume is preserved for completing ongoing processes, eliminating the limitation of single-operation completion and enabling continuous operation as long as the supply is restored.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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

Ensures that pneumatically operated hydraulic tools can safely and reliably complete ongoing work processes even during compressed air supply failures, preventing tool stoppages and potential damage, while preventing new processes from initiating until the supply is restored.

Implementation Method 1

a buffer storage for pneumatic fluid connected between the connection for the pneumatic line and the pneumatic piston

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCompression: Compression

Implementation Method 2

a shut-off valve which interrupts the compressed air supply to the pneumatic piston in the event of a pressure drop

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPressure difference: Pressure Gradient

Data Source

PatentEP3647606A1System comprising a pneumatically operated hydraulic tool, down valve and carriage for a pneumatically operated hydraulic tool
Publication Date: 2020.05.06 WS WIELANDER SCHILL PROFESSIONELLE KAROSSERIE SPEZIALWERKZEUGE GMBH & CO KG
  • EP3647606A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3647606A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3647606A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

System with a pneumatically operated hydraulic tool, in particular for pulling and/or pressing, comprising a connection for a pneumatic line, wherein a buffer reservoir for pneumatic fluid is connected between the connection for the pneumatic line, which supplies the hydraulic tool with compressed air to complete a work operation after a pressure drop at the connection of the pneumatic line, wherein the system includes a shut-off valve which stops the pressure supply to the pneumatically operated hydraulic tool after completion of the work operation.