Androgynous Locking Coupling for Single-Actuation Fluid Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing locking couplings for fluid transfer in satellite fuel systems lack a simple and efficient mechanism to establish both mechanical and fluidic connections between modules, requiring complex handling and potential leaks.
Innovation Solution
A locking coupling design featuring androgynous coupling units with a shared actuating element that, upon activation, simultaneously establishes both mechanical and fluidic connections, allowing for directional-independent fluid transfer and easy disconnection, utilizing identical valve and locking units to ensure leak-free operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate actuation mechanisms are used for mechanical and fluidic connections, then reliable connection can be achieved, but device complexity and handling difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the mechanical connection and fluidic connection actuation into a single actuating element. When the actuating element is rotated, it simultaneously drives the locking sleeve to engage mechanically and the valve ball to open the fluid path, eliminating the need for separate actuation mechanisms and simplifying the overall device structure while maintaining reliable connections
2Reliability
If complex handling procedures are used to establish both mechanical and fluidic connections, then secure connection can be achieved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the operations of establishing mechanical connection and fluidic connection into a single rotational action of the actuating element. This single operation simultaneously engages the locking mechanism and opens the valve, making the coupling process simple and intuitive while ensuring secure and leak-free connections
3Ease of manufacture
If directional-dependent coupling is used, then sealing can be simplified, but adaptability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs androgynous coupling units where both male and female interfaces are identical and can function in either direction. The valve ball mechanism and locking sleeve are designed to work regardless of which coupling unit is actuated, enabling universal compatibility and bidirectional fluid transfer while maintaining simple sealing structures
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a locking coupling including a first coupling unit and a second coupling unit, which in each case extend along a longitudinal axis and are designed to be identical. Each coupling unit includes a valve unit and a locking unit. The first and the second valve unit are designed to form a fluid connection between the first and the second coupling unit, and the first and the second locking unit are designed to connect the first coupling unit and the second coupling unit mechanically to one another. The first coupling unit includes an actuating element, by actuation of which the first and the second coupling unit can be mechanically connected to one another via the first and the second locking unit and can be fluidically connected to one another via the first and the second valve unit.