Cam-Synchronized Gas Coupling for Venting and Charge Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing gas coupling devices for high-pressure applications are expensive, bulky, and heavy, lacking efficient and safe operational solutions for managing static, re-circulation/vent, and charge conditions.
Innovation Solution
A coupling device with a housing and valve assembly that includes a drive assembly with cam members, allowing synchronized operation between coupled and uncoupled conditions, and re-circulation/vent and charge states, enabling safe and efficient fluid transfer through controlled displacement of the drive member.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If prior art re-circulation/venting arrangements are used to provide safety elements for high-pressure gas handling, then operator safety is improved, but the device becomes expensive, bulky and heavy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple safety functions (coupling, charging, re-circulation, venting, uncoupling) into a single integrated coupling device with a unified drive assembly. The valve assembly integrates multiple valves controlled by a single drive mechanism, eliminating the need for separate safety devices and reducing overall weight while maintaining comprehensive safety functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling device is designed as a multi-functional unit that can perform coupling, charging, re-circulation, venting, and uncoupling operations through a single device. The valve assembly can switch between different operational modes (static, re-circulation/vent, charge conditions) using the same housing and drive mechanism, providing universal functionality without requiring multiple specialized components.
2Reliability
If a coupling device provides static, re-circulation/vent, and charge conditions with separate control mechanisms, then operational safety is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple valve control functions into a single drive assembly that operates all valves through one coordinated mechanism. The drive member with cam surfaces simultaneously controls the positioning of multiple valves, reducing the number of independent control mechanisms while maintaining the ability to achieve static, re-circulation/vent, and charge conditions safely.
Solution Approach 2:
The drive assembly uses a dynamic cam mechanism that can position valves in different configurations based on the operational phase. The cam surfaces are designed to automatically sequence valve operations as the drive member rotates, providing dynamic control that adapts to different operational modes (coupled/uncoupled and re-circulation/vent/charge) without requiring separate static control mechanisms for each function.
3Manufacturing precision
If multiple cam members are used to synchronize valve operations with coupling conditions, then operational precision is improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple cam functions into a single drive member with multiple cam surfaces. Instead of using separate cam members for different valve controls, the invention integrates all cam profiles onto one rotating component, simplifying the manufacturing process while maintaining precise synchronization of all valve operations with the coupling and operational phases.
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
The solution provides a compact, efficient, and safe mechanism for coupling and uncoupling high-pressure fluid systems, ensuring safe fluid transfer and reducing operational complexity by synchronizing valve operations between re-circulation/vent and charge conditions.
Implementation Method 1
a cam member operatively engageable with the drive member and the valve assembly, wherein the cam member is configured to be displaced in the housing by the displacement of the drive member in the first and second directions of motion so as to cause the operation of the coupling device between coupled and uncoupled conditions
Implementation Method 2
the cam member is configured to be displaced in the housing by the displacement of the drive member in the first and second directions of motion so as to cause the operation of the valve between the re-circulation/vent and charge conditions in a synchronized fashion
Implementation Method 3
a drive assembly located in the housing and operatively engageable with the valve assembly, wherein the drive assembly comprises: a drive member disposed in the chamber, wherein the drive member is displaceable relative to the chamber in first and opposite second directions of motion
Data Source
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AI summary
This invention relates to coupling devices, particularly to coupling devices for use with pressurized substances, for example, fluids such as liquids, gases, and plasmas; drive assemblies for said coupling devices; and to methods of supplying substances. The coupling device comprises a housing defining a chamber, the housing comprising inlet, outlet, and re-circulation/vent apertures; a valve assembly disposed in the chamber, the valve assembly comprising a valve; and a drive assembly located in the housing and operatively engageable with the valve assembly, wherein the drive assembly comprises a drive member disposed in the chamber; and a second cam member operatively engageable with the drive member and the valve assembly, wherein the second cam member is configured to be displaced by the drive member to cause the operation of the coupling device between uncoupled and coupled conditions, and the valve between the re-circulation/vent and charge conditions in a synchronized fashion.