Remote Fluid Service Port Control for Faster Machine Maintenance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for fluid maintenance in industrial machines, such as oil and hydraulic fluid exchanges, are inefficient due to inconveniently located discharge ports, lengthy drainage and refill times, and lack of data collection and sequencing, leading to substantial downtime and economic losses.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for fluid evacuation and refill processes that utilize flexible conduits, quick disconnect couplings, and control valves to facilitate convenient fluid transfer, with integrated data collection and sequencing to optimize maintenance operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If fluid discharge ports are located at the bottom of the machine to utilize gravity flow, then fluid evacuation is simplified, but the outlet port becomes inconveniently located and service time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a remotely located service port that provides vertical access to the fluid system from the top or side of the machine, rather than requiring access to bottom-mounted discharge ports. This dimensional change in access location allows maintenance personnel to service the system from a convenient position without needing to reach into difficult-to-access areas at the machine's base.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a remotely mounted service port as an intermediary access point that connects to the internal fluid system through piping or conduits. This intermediary port serves as a mediator between the external service environment and the internal fluid reservoir, allowing fluid evacuation and refilling operations to be performed remotely without direct access to the original discharge ports.
2Productivity
If multiple evacuations and refills of fluid receptacles are performed manually, then fluid maintenance is completed, but the processes are not timed or sequenced to maximize performance and downtime is substantial
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates sensors and control systems that monitor fluid levels, evacuation rates, and system parameters in real-time. This feedback mechanism allows the system to automatically adjust evacuation and refilling operations, optimize timing between multiple service cycles, and sequence operations to minimize downtime while ensuring complete fluid replacement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements an automated fluid maintenance system that performs evacuations and refills with minimal human intervention. The system self-regulates the timing and sequencing of multiple service operations, automatically managing the complex coordination required for efficient fluid maintenance without requiring manual timing or supervision.
3Loss of information
If conventional methods are used for fluid maintenance without data collection, then simple procedures are followed, but crucial data for scheduling maintenance and monitoring performance issues is not collected or analyzed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple functions into a single automated service port system: fluid evacuation, refilling, data collection, system monitoring, and maintenance scheduling. This multi-functional approach consolidates what would otherwise require separate manual operations and measurement devices, reducing overall system complexity while enabling comprehensive data acquisition and automated decision-making for maintenance scheduling.
Data Source
AI summary
A system. The system includes a power source, a control module of a machine, and a fluid component. The fluid component is configured to establish an electrical connection between the power source and the control module during performance of a fluid operation on the machine when the machine is powered down.