Breakaway Fluid Coupling With Spring-Closed Feather Shutoff
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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, with spring-powered feathers that instantly block fluid flow when the connection is severed, utilizing a trigger mechanism to maintain the feathers in an open position during normal operation and actuating them to a closed position upon disconnection, ensuring safe and controlled fluid transfer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a fluid coupling is designed to be disconnectable under excessive tensile load, then equipment damage from excessive pulling forces is prevented, but uncontrolled release of hazardous fluids may occur during normal operation
Solution Approach 1:
The feather valve is pre-positioned in an open configuration during normal operation, allowing fluid flow. When excessive tensile load causes disconnection, the trigger mechanism releases the feather, which then automatically moves to a closed position to block fluid flow. This preliminary positioning and automatic response prevents uncontrolled fluid release while maintaining normal operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The trigger mechanism acts as an intermediary between the tubular connection and the feather valve. It normally holds the feather in the open position, but when excessive load causes disconnection, the trigger releases and allows the feather to close, blocking fluid flow. This intermediary mechanism provides controlled response rather than immediate uncontrolled release.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If spring-powered feathers are used to block fluid flow upon disconnection, then uncontrolled fluid release is prevented, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The spring-powered feather valve is self-actuating and requires no external power source or control system. When the trigger releases upon disconnection, the spring automatically drives the feather to the closed position to block fluid flow. This self-service mechanism achieves fluid control without adding complex external control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex electronic or hydraulic control systems with a simple mechanical spring-powered mechanism. The spring stores mechanical energy during normal operation and automatically releases it to close the feather valve when needed, providing a reliable and simple solution for fluid flow control.
3Reliability
If a trigger mechanism is used to retain feathers in open position during normal operation, then safe fluid transfer is enabled, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The trigger mechanism is integrated with the tubular connection structure itself, rather than being a separate component. The trigger is positioned within the first tubular and works in conjunction with the feather valve, merging multiple functions into a unified structure that reduces overall complexity while maintaining reliability.
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 release of fluids, reduces risk to humans and the environment, and protects equipment by mechanically isolating the fluid flow upon disconnection without the need for power sources or cable connections, maintaining a compact design that minimally impacts flow rates.
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.