Valve Assembly Layout for Remote Machine Fluid Evacuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for performing fluid maintenance functions, such as fluid evacuation and refill processes, in large machinery are inefficient due to inconveniently located fluid discharge ports and lack of data collection and analysis, leading to premature component wear and increased downtime, which results in substantial economic losses.
Innovation Solution
A fluid system with a portable conduit and pump assembly that allows for remote fluid transfer, equipped with a flow control mechanism and data collection module to optimize fluid operations and maintenance scheduling, enabling efficient evacuation and refill processes while minimizing environmental contamination.
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 difficult to access
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a remotely located outlet port that accesses the sump through a vertical access way from the side or top of the machine rather than from the bottom. This dimensional change in port location allows maintenance personnel to access the port from convenient locations while still enabling gravity flow evacuation of fluids from the sump.
2Productivity
If multiple evacuations and refills of fluid receptacles are performed during maintenance, then complete fluid replacement is achieved, but the processes are not timed and sequenced to maximize maintenance performance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates sensors and monitoring systems that track fluid levels, evacuation rates, and maintenance process parameters. This feedback enables automated control of the evacuation and refill processes, optimizing the timing and sequencing of operations to minimize downtime while ensuring complete fluid replacement.
Solution Approach 2:
The system prepares for fluid maintenance operations by pre-positioning equipment, pre-heating or pre-cooling fluids as needed, and pre-configuring the evacuation system. This preliminary preparation reduces the actual downtime required during the maintenance window.
3Reliability
If data collection and analysis systems are implemented during fluid operations, then maintenance scheduling is optimized, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates data collection capabilities into existing fluid handling equipment and control systems. The same sensors and controllers used for monitoring fluid levels and evacuation rates also collect data for maintenance scheduling analysis, eliminating the need for separate dedicated data collection hardware and reducing overall system complexity.
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 system reduces downtime and maintenance costs by facilitating efficient fluid management and data-driven maintenance, extending the life of machinery components and improving operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a pump in fluid communication with the valve assembly
Implementation Method 2
a flow control mechanism to regulate a flow rate of the fluid
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
A fluid system of a machine comprises: a fluid reservoir; a pump coupled to the fluid reservoir; a filter coupled to the pump, wherein the pump is configured to communicate fluid from the fluid reservoir to a component of the machine via the filter; a valve assembly, wherein the valve assembly comprises: a first port; a second port fluidically coupled to the first port upon application of negative pressure at the first port; a third port fluidically coupled to 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; and a second check valve positioned between the filter and the third port.