Breakaway Fluid Coupling With Spring-Closed Flow Isolation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Fluid transfer systems face issues with uncontrolled release of hazardous or flammable fluids due to breakage of hoses or couplings during movement of fluid tankers, leading to safety and environmental risks and equipment damage from excessive pulling forces.
Innovation Solution
A disconnectable fluid coupling design featuring tubulars that break away under a predetermined tensile load, utilizing spring-powered feathers to block fluid flow when separation occurs, activated by a mechanically triggered isolation mechanism without requiring a power source or cable connections, ensuring safe disconnection and minimizing flow rate impact.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the fluid coupling is designed to be disconnectable for safety, then equipment protection is improved, but uncontrolled fluid release occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The feather is pre-positioned within the tubular structure, held in an retracted position by normal coupling forces. When disconnection occurs, the feather automatically moves to a blocking position without requiring external activation, thus preventing uncontrolled fluid release immediately upon separation
Solution Approach 2:
The feather acts as an intermediary element between the coupling mechanism and the fluid passage. It mediates the transition from connected to disconnected state by progressively blocking the fluid passage, allowing controlled separation while preventing hazardous fluid release
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the feather blocks the fluid passage to prevent release, then fluid containment is improved, but flow rate is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The feather partially blocks the fluid passage rather than completely sealing it. This partial blocking is sufficient to contain hazardous fluid release while maintaining adequate flow rate for normal operation, achieving the optimal balance between safety and productivity
Solution Approach 2:
The feather provides localized blocking at the critical separation point within the fluid passage. This localized intervention prevents fluid release at the disconnect interface while maintaining overall flow efficiency through the rest of the system
3Strength
If the coupling uses shear bolts for connection, then connection strength is improved, but complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The shear bolts serve dual functions: providing strong mechanical connection between tubulars and acting as the disconnection trigger mechanism. When the shear bolts fail under excessive load, they automatically initiate the feather blocking sequence, eliminating the need for separate trigger mechanisms 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
Prevents uncontrolled fluid release and protects equipment by instantaneously blocking fluid flow upon disconnection, reducing the risk of harm and environmental damage while maintaining compactness and flow efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
A spring has a first end and a second end. The first end is coupled to the feather and the second end is coupled to the first tubular. The spring is loaded to actuate a movement of the feather between an open position and a closed position.
Implementation Method 2
The first tubular is coupled to the second tubular via shear bolts. The shear bolts have sufficient strength to hold the first tubular and the second tubular together under normal operating conditions. The bolts have a strength to shear under an applied tensile load exceeding a predetermined tensile load.
Data Source
AI summary
A first tubular and a second tubular define a fluid passage. A feather is positioned within the first tubular. The feather is configured to axially translate towards the second tubular and pivot towards a center of the first tubular. The feather includes a hinge on a pivoting end. A first end of a spring is coupled to the feather and a second end of the spring is coupled to the first tubular. The spring is loaded to actuate a movement of the feather between an open position and a closed position. A trigger is positioned between the first tubular and the second tubular to provide an interference with the feather. The interference retains the feather in the open position when the first tubular and second tubular are coupled.