Valve Assembly for Faster Machine Fluid Evacuation and Refill
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for performing fluid maintenance, such as evacuation and refill processes, in machine operation and maintenance are inefficient due to inconveniently located fluid discharge ports, leading to prolonged downtime and increased economic costs, especially in large machinery where fluid volumes are substantial, and lack effective data collection and analysis for optimizing maintenance schedules.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a portable fluid transfer conduit with a flexible tubing and a coupling system, including a flow control mechanism, allows for efficient fluid evacuation and refill operations by positioning the outlet port conveniently and utilizing pumps and pre-lubrication devices to facilitate fluid circulation, while integrating data collection and analysis modules to optimize maintenance timing and sequencing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
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 requires prolonged downtime for maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary device (portable fluid transfer system with pump and flexible conduit) that mediates between the bottom-located discharge port and the maintenance operator. The pump actively transfers fluid through the flexible conduit, eliminating the need for direct access to the bottom port while maintaining efficient fluid removal.
2Quantity of substance
If substantial volumes of fluid are present in large machinery, then the machine operates effectively, but fluid maintenance processes become time-consuming and increase economic costs
Solution Approach 1:
The portable pump system enables rapid fluid evacuation by actively pumping large volumes of fluid quickly through the flexible conduit. This 'rushes through' the maintenance process, reducing the time required to evacuate substantial fluid volumes from large machinery compared to passive gravity drainage.
3Reliability
If conventional equipment methods are used for fluid maintenance, then existing systems operate as designed, but data collection and analysis during fluid operations are not performed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms by integrating data collection sensors and monitoring systems during fluid evacuation and refill operations. This captures maintenance data (fluid volume, time, conditions) and feeds it back to optimize future maintenance scheduling, transforming conventional blind maintenance into data-driven predictive maintenance.
4Reliability
If multiple evacuations and refills of fluid receptacles are performed during maintenance, then fluid systems are maintained, but the processes are not timed or sequenced to maximize performance
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by collecting and analyzing maintenance data during each fluid operation to determine optimal timing and sequencing for future evacuations and refills. This preliminary data gathering enables proactive scheduling that maximizes maintenance performance rather than reacting to symptoms.
Data Source
AI summary
A fluid system of a machine. The fluid system includes a fluid reservoir, a pump coupled to the fluid reservoir, a filter coupled to the pump and a valve assembly. The valve assembly includes a first port, a second port coupled to the first port and to the fluid reservoir, a third port coupled to the first port, and a first check valve positioned between the first port and the second port. The fluid system further includes a second check valve positioned between the filter and the third port.