Rapid-Connect Coupler Anti-Rotation and Vent Stop Assembly

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Solution Overview

Problem

Cryogenic fluids at low temperatures pose handling challenges due to freeze-up issues in couplers and venting pressures, leading to mechanical impediments and potential ejection during coupler-receptacle disengagement.

Innovation Solution

A rapid-connect coupler with a slidable sleeve and anti-rotation features, including a handle assembly and a vent stop assembly, prevents rotation and enables controlled venting to prevent mechanical interference and ejection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If a rapid-connect coupler is used to transfer cryogenic fluid, then fluid transfer efficiency is improved, but freeze-up problems occur causing mechanical impediments

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefluid transfer efficiencyVSAvoidmechanical operation reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies beforehand cushioning by providing heated zones within the coupler body that pre-heat the fluid path before cryogenic fluid enters. This prevents freeze-up of mechanical components by maintaining temperatures above freezing points in critical areas, thus preserving mechanical operation reliability while enabling continuous high-efficiency fluid transfer.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces thermal insulation layers and heated intermediary zones as mediators between the cold cryogenic fluid and the mechanical components. These intermediary elements prevent direct thermal contact that would cause freezing, thereby maintaining mechanical reliability without compromising transfer efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Object-generated harmful factors

If high pressure venting is performed during de-coupling, then fluid venting capability is improved, but the coupler may forcefully eject from the receptacle

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefluid venting capabilityVSAvoidcoupler stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-generated harmful factorsVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary anti-action by incorporating a vent stop assembly that prevents the coupler from fully de-coupling during venting operations. The stop mechanism counteracts the ejection force generated by pressure venting, allowing harmful fluid venting while preventing the harmful effect of coupler ejection and maintaining operational stability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent converts the harmful ejection force generated during venting into a beneficial controlled venting process. The vent stop assembly channels the pressure energy through a controlled path, allowing efficient fluid venting while the reaction force is absorbed and utilized to maintain coupler-stabilizing contact with the receptacle.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

3Ease of operation

If rotation of the coupler is allowed during engagement, then ease of connection is improved, but damage to internal valve components occurs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection easeVSAvoidvalve component integrity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies asymmetry by providing anti-rotation features including asymmetric guide surfaces and keyed connections between the coupler and receptacle. These asymmetric elements allow the coupler to be easily guided into position while preventing rotation that would damage internal valve components, thus maintaining both connection ease and component integrity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #4Asymmetry

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces purely mechanical free-rotation connections with a guided engagement system incorporating anti-rotation mechanical features. The guide surfaces and keyed elements substitute for simple radial alignment, providing controlled engagement that protects valve components while maintaining ease of operation through self-aligning features.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS12429156B2Rapid-connect coupler and receptacle having anti-rotation feature

Publication Date: 2025.09.30 ENGINEERED CONTROLS INT

AI summary

A rapid-connect coupler having an anti-rotation feature is disclosed. A coupler includes a housing, a probe configured to translate longitudinally within the housing, a ball cage, a plurality of balls disposed in the ball cage, and a slidable sleeve coupled to the probe and configured to translate longitudinally with the probe. The slidable sleeve includes a collar that defines a plurality of channels positioned radially about and extending axially along an outer surface. The plurality of channels of the collar are configured to receive bearings of the receptacle to prevent rotation of the coupler relative to the receptacle. To couple the coupler to the receptacle, the slidable sleeve is configured to slide in a longitudinal direction into the receptacle to cause the plurality of channels to receive the bearings of the receptacle and subsequently cause the plurality of balls to lock the coupler to the receptacle.