Universal Closure Valve Adapter for Variable Tank Neck Diameters
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing closed-loop fluid transfer systems face challenges in accommodating containers with varying opening diameters, requiring a universal adapter that can securely attach and facilitate fluid transfer without leakage, while ensuring safety by maintaining a closed system until intentional fluid transfer.
Innovation Solution
A universal closure valve adapter with a flange and adjustable engagement mechanisms, including swivel members and retaining screws, that can attach to containers with different diameters, featuring a closure valve assembly biased to a closed position and adjustable to fit various threaded surfaces, ensuring secure and leak-proof fluid transfer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed-diameter connector is used for closed-loop fluid transfer, then the connection is secure and leak-proof, but it cannot accommodate containers with varying opening diameters
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter incorporates adjustable retention members that can move radially to accommodate different opening diameters. The retention members are positioned on a retention circle and can be adjusted to engage with the container neck at various radial positions, enabling the same adapter to fit containers with varying opening sizes while maintaining a secure closed-loop connection
Solution Approach 2:
The adapter design allows a single universal adapter to interface with multiple container types having different opening diameters. By incorporating adjustable retention members that can engage with container necks at different radial positions, the adapter achieves multi-functionality across various container specifications without requiring multiple specialized adapters
2Reliability
If the closure valve assembly is biased to a closed position, then accidental leakage is prevented, but intentional fluid transfer requires active opening
Solution Approach 1:
The closure valve assembly incorporates a bias mechanism that automatically keeps the valve in the closed position, preventing accidental leakage before intentional transfer is desired. This preliminary anti-action ensures the system remains sealed by default, and operators must actively overcome the bias to open the valve for intended fluid transfer operations
3Strength
If multiple retention members are spaced around the flange, then secure attachment to various neck walls is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter divides the retention function into multiple independent retention members spaced around the flange's retention circle. Each retention member independently engages with the container neck, distributing the attachment load and providing redundant security. This segmentation allows the system to achieve strong, reliable attachment while maintaining modular simplicity in each individual retention member design
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3
AI summary
A universal closure valve adapter (2) attachable to a neck wall (12) of a first container (50) that forms a periphery of an opening having a diameter. The universal closure valve adapter (2) includes a closure valve assembly (52) that is attachable to a closure valve assembly (4) of a second container (1). A flange transversely extending from the closure valve assembly (52) of the first container (50). The flange includes a plurality of tank neck engagement assemblies (10). Each of the plurality of tank neck engagement assemblies (10) are spaced apart from each other about the flange.