Breakaway Coupling with Heat Dissipation Fins for High-Pressure Fluid Lines

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Solution Overview

Problem

High-pressure fluid conduit systems face issues with uncontrolled whipping of conduit ends during failures and heat dissipation, leading to safety hazards and fluid leaks, which existing technologies do not adequately address.

Innovation Solution

A breakaway coupling system with breakaway bolts and a leash mechanism to prevent uncontrolled whipping, combined with heat dissipation fins to manage excessive heat, ensuring safe operation and fluid containment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a flexible hose is used to transfer fluid between containers, then ease of connection and range of motion are improved, but the risk of uncontrolled whipping upon failure increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of connectionVSAvoiduncontrolled whipping
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The coupling is divided into two separable halves that can be connected and disconnected easily. The breakaway feature segments the coupling into controllable parts that separate in a predetermined manner upon excessive force, preventing uncontrolled whipping while maintaining ease of connection during normal operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The breakaway feature is pre-configured with a predetermined failure point that activates before the hose or containers are damaged. This preliminary safety mechanism is built into the coupling design, so that upon excessive force, the coupling separates in a controlled manner before harmful whipping can occur.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Productivity

If high-pressure fluid flows through the conduit, then productivity is improved, but heat generation increases requiring dissipation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefluid transfer rateVSAvoidheat generation
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The coupling incorporates features that change thermal parameters through its design. The metallic construction and potential for fluid passage through the coupling body alter heat transfer characteristics, enabling better heat dissipation during high-pressure fluid flow to maintain safe operating temperatures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Stability of the object's composition

If a rigid coupling is used to maintain position, then stability is improved, but flexibility and ease of disconnection are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveposition stabilityVSAvoidease of disconnection
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The coupling transitions from a static rigid connection to a dynamic separable connection. The two halves can be easily assembled and disassembled, providing operational flexibility, while maintaining stable positioning when connected. The breakaway feature adds a controlled dynamic response to abnormal conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS9657881B2Fluid conduit safety system with separable coupling
Publication Date: 2017.05.23 ZENA ASSOC LLC
  • US9657881B2 patent drawing
  • US9657881B2 patent drawing
  • US9657881B2 patent drawing

AI summary

The present invention relates to safety mechanisms for high-pressure fluid delivery systems. Particularly, the invention relates to a breakaway device which prevents uncontrolled “whipping” of the conduit ends upon a rupture. A heat dissipating coupling, permitting operation of the conduit system at desired temperatures, is also included, as is a breakaway device provided with such a heat dissipation feature.