Compact Coupling Valve Layout With Internal Flow Path and Filter

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing coupling devices have a large radial dimension due to the inclusion of flow passages and filters outside the valve chambers, limiting their compactness and flow rate.

Innovation Solution

The coupling device incorporates a communication path and filter within the sub valve member, reducing the radial dimension by accommodating these components inside the valve chamber.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a flow passage and filter are mounted outside the valve chamber, then the filter can be effectively positioned, but the radial dimension of the coupling device increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefilter effectivenessVSAvoidradial dimension
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The flow passage and filter are nested within the valve chamber space, specifically utilizing the axial continuation of the sub valve chamber and main valve chamber. The communication path is formed inside the sub valve member, and the filter is mounted within this internal space, effectively placing one component (filter) inside another component's space (valve chamber), thereby reducing the overall radial dimension while maintaining filter functionality

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention transitions from a radial arrangement of flow passages and filters to an axial arrangement. The sub valve chamber and main valve chamber continue from the distal end side to the proximal end side in the axial direction, allowing the communication path and filter to be positioned axially within the valve chambers rather than radially outside them, thus reducing radial dimension

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Length of stationary object

If the coupling device diameter is kept small, then compactness is achieved, but the flow rate of fluid is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoverall sizeVSAvoidflow rate
Core Design Contradiction:
Length of stationary objectVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention changes the arrangement from radial to axial dimension. The sub valve chamber and main valve chamber continue axially from distal end to proximal end, creating an elongated axial flow path that maintains flow rate capacity while reducing radial dimension, thus achieving compact overall size without sacrificing productivity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The valve system is segmented into multiple chambers (sub valve chamber and main valve chamber) arranged axially, with a communication path connecting them. This segmentation allows the flow passage to be distributed along the axial direction, maintaining adequate flow cross-sectional area while reducing radial footprint

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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

This configuration allows for a more compact design while maintaining or increasing the flow rate, with reduced risk of filter damage and improved fluid flow efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

The sub valve member 33 is urged toward the distal end side toward a sub valve seat 32 formed in the sub valve chamber 27 by a second valve-closing spring 40. The main valve member 43 is also urged toward the distal end side toward the main valve seat 42 formed in the main valve chamber 28 by a third valve-closing spring 48.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSpring: Spring

Implementation Method 2

A sub valve member 33 is inserted into the sub valve chamber 27 so as to be movable in the axial direction via a sealing member 34 in a sealed manner.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSealing:

Data Source

PatentEP4361487B1Coupling device
Publication Date: 2025.11.19 KOSMEK LTD (JP)
  • EP4361487B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4361487B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4361487B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Provided is a compact coupling device. This coupling device has a first joint 3 and a second joint 4. In the second joint 4, a sub valve chamber 27 and a main valve chamber 28 are formed so as to be continuous in the vertical direction. A sub valve member 33 is inserted into the sub valve chamber 27 so as to be movable in the vertical direction in a sealed manner. The sub valve member 33 is urged downward by a second valve-closing spring 40 against a sub valve seat 32 formed inside the sub valve chamber 27. A communication path 35 is formed in the sub valve member 33. The communication path 35 forms a part of a flow passage that causes the sub valve chamber 27 and the main valve chamber 28 to communicate.