Connection adapter
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connection fittings for high-pressure fluid systems, particularly those using CO2 as a coolant, fail to meet the contradictory requirements of safely opening and closing a flow path while venting the dead space, preventing fluid escape, and ensuring secure locking, often requiring multiple energy sources or compromising durability.
Innovation Solution
A connection adapter with a servo piston and valve spindle system that automatically vents the dead space, includes a servo space with a servo piston to close the ventilation path under excess pressure, and a hold-down device to open the service valve only after the ventilation path is closed, ensuring safe and secure connection and disconnection without tools.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a connection fitting is designed to open and close a flow path at high pressure, then the flow path control function is improved, but the ability to vent dead space is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The connection fitting is segmented into multiple functional components: a service valve for flow path control, a separate ventilation path for dead space venting, and a servo piston mechanism that coordinates their operation. This segmentation allows independent optimization of each function while resolving the contradiction between flow control and venting capabilities
Solution Approach 2:
The ventilation path is designed to operate in a predetermined sequence: it vents the dead space before the service valve opens the flow path. This preliminary action eliminates harmful pressure buildup in the dead space before high-pressure fluid flow begins, resolving the contradiction by addressing the venting need before flow control activates
2Reliability
If a connection fitting prevents fluid escape when decoupled, then safety is improved, but pressure relief function is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The connection fitting employs dynamic sealing elements that automatically adjust their sealing force based on system pressure conditions. The service valve maintains a closed position with sealed bores to prevent fluid escape during decoupling, while the ventilation path provides a controlled pressure relief mechanism that activates under excess pressure, dynamically balancing containment and relief needs
3Strength
If a locking mechanism provides secure connection, then connection strength is improved, but ease of detachment is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism incorporates feedback through a spring-loaded ball detent system that engages with grooves on the service valve. The spring provides continuous force to maintain secure locking during operation, while the ball-detent design allows automatic engagement during coupling and controlled disengagement during detachment, resolving the contradiction between strong locking and easy detachment
4Device complexity
If multiple functions are integrated in one connection fitting, then device complexity is reduced, but durability is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
Each functional component within the connection fitting is designed with localized quality optimized for its specific function: the service valve uses hardened sealing surfaces for flow control, the ventilation path uses pressure-resistant geometry for dead space venting, and the locking mechanism uses precision-machined engagement features. This localized optimization maintains high durability despite integrating multiple functions in one device
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
Enables safe and durable high-pressure fluid connections by automatically venting the dead space, preventing fluid escape, and ensuring secure locking, meeting automotive industry standards for durability and safety without additional energy sources.
Implementation Method 1
a servo space (20) which can be connected fluidically to the connection (19) and in which a servo piston (8) is accommodated for opening and closing the venting path, wherein an excess pressure which is present in the servo space (20) pushes the servo piston (8) towards its position closing the venting path
Implementation Method 2
a dead space (21) which is ventilated via a venting path even when the service valve (1) is coupled to the connection adapter (0)
Data Source
AI summary
Connection adapter for docking and undocking a maintenance station to a service valve of a third-party system in which a working fluid circulates in a closed circuit with a connection via which for filling working fluid under pressure can be fed from the maintenance station into the connection adapter or via which working fluid under pressure can be discharged, with a dead space which is ventilated via a venting path, the connection adapter includes a servo space in which a servo piston for opening and closing the venting path is accommodated, and a valve spindle that operates a valve element, and a hold-down device for opening a spring valve insert forming the service valve, which is designed and arranged in such a way that it only opens the spring valve insert after the servo piston has reached a position closing the ventilation path.