Portable Valve Assembly for Top-Access Fluid Evacuation and Refill
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for performing fluid maintenance, such as evacuation and refill processes, in industrial machines are inefficient due to inconveniently located fluid ports, leading to prolonged downtime and increased economic costs, with a lack of effective data collection and analysis to optimize maintenance schedules.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a portable fluid transfer conduit with a flow control mechanism and a network of conduits connecting multiple reservoirs to a control valve, allowing for efficient fluid evacuation and refill operations, along with data collection and analysis to optimize maintenance timing and sequencing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If fluid ports are located at the bottom of the machine for gravity flow, then fluid evacuation is simplified, but the outlet port becomes inconveniently located and maintenance time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a vertically oriented valve assembly with the outlet port positioned at the top, fundamentally changing the spatial dimension of fluid evacuation from bottom-up gravity flow to top-down controlled discharge. This dimensional repositioning allows the outlet port to be accessible at the top of the machine while maintaining efficient fluid evacuation through the vertically arranged internal passages and valve mechanism.
2Reliability
If multiple evacuations and refills of fluid receptacles are performed, then maintenance is completed, but downtime increases and economic costs rise
Solution Approach 1:
The valve assembly enables continuous fluid evacuation and refill operations through its multi-position configuration. The valve can sequentially direct fluid flow between different receptacles and the outlet port without requiring manual repositioning or system shutdown, allowing maintenance operations to proceed continuously and reducing overall downtime.
Solution Approach 2:
The single valve assembly serves multiple functions: it can evacuate fluid from multiple different receptacles, control discharge to the outlet port, and manage refill operations. This multi-functionality consolidates what would otherwise require multiple separate operations and components into one integrated system, reducing maintenance time and complexity.
3Productivity
If data collection and analysis systems are implemented, then maintenance scheduling is optimized, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The valve assembly incorporates sensors that detect fluid levels, valve position, and operational status, providing real-time feedback to the control system. This feedback mechanism enables automated monitoring and data collection, allowing the system to optimize maintenance scheduling based on actual operational conditions without requiring complex external monitoring systems.
Data Source
AI summary
A system. The system includes a valve assembly. The valve assembly includes a first port, a second port fluidically couplable with the first port upon application of negative pressure at the first port, a third port fluidically couplable with the first port upon application of positive pressure at the first port, and a first check valve positioned between the first port and the second port. The system also includes a second check valve fluidically couplable with the third port upon the application of the positive pressure at the first port. The second check valve is positioned external to the valve assembly.