Pressure-Tight Coupler Plug With Locking Ring Pressure Relief
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dry disconnect couplers lack a pressure tight seal for the coupler that meets safety regulations and protects the coupler from damage during fluid transfer operations.
Innovation Solution
A pressure tight plug for a dry disconnect coupler, comprising a housing, a main flow valve, a rotatable locking ring, a pressure relief lock valve, and a pressure relief channel, which provides a secure seal and protects the coupler from damage while allowing pressure release before disconnection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a pressure tight cap is placed over the coupler to protect it from damage, then the coupler is protected from damage, but the cap cannot be easily secured or released without additional locking mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The locking ring is designed to be rotatable relative to the plug body, transitioning between a locked position (where it engages the urging member to secure the plug) and an unlocked position (where it disengages to allow removal). This dynamic mechanism enables easy operation of the protective cap while maintaining strong protection when secured.
Solution Approach 2:
The urging member automatically engages with the locking ring when the plug is inserted, providing self-locking functionality without requiring additional actuators or complex mechanisms. The system uses the insertion motion itself to trigger the locking action, simplifying operation while ensuring secure protection.
2Reliability
If the plug is securely locked to the coupler to prevent accidental disconnection, then the connection reliability is improved, but the ability to release the plug for disconnection becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The locking ring provides a secure locked state during normal operation, but can be easily rotated to an unlocked state when needed. This dynamic transition allows the system to maintain high reliability during service while enabling straightforward release when disconnection is required, resolving the contradiction between secure locking and easy release.
3Reliability
If the plug provides a pressure tight seal to prevent fluid leakage, then safety is improved, but pressure buildup may cause damage or make removal difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure relief lock valve acts as an intermediary mechanism that automatically opens when excessive pressure builds up in the sealed space. This releases the pressure threat while maintaining the pressure tight seal during normal operation, thus improving safety without creating harmful pressure buildup effects.
Solution Approach 2:
The pressure relief lock valve is pre-positioned to provide pressure relief capability before harmful pressure buildup occurs. This beforehand cushioning mechanism prevents pressure from reaching dangerous levels that could damage the coupler or make removal difficult, while maintaining safety during normal pressurized operation.
4Device complexity
If traditional caps are used on the coupler, then they are simple in design, but they are not suitable for meeting safety regulations for pressure tight sealing
Solution Approach 1:
The plug design merges multiple functions into a single integrated component: the body provides structural support and sealing, the locking ring provides secure attachment, the urging member provides automatic locking, and the pressure relief lock valve provides safety pressure relief. This combination achieves pressure tight sealing meeting safety regulations while maintaining reasonable design simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The plug serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides a pressure tight seal to meet safety regulations, incorporates a locking mechanism for secure attachment, includes automatic locking via the urging member, and features pressure relief capability. This multi-functionality achieves regulatory compliance without excessive complexity.
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 ensures a secure, pressure tight seal that prevents fluid leakage and protects the coupler from damage, while allowing safe pressure release, meeting safety regulations and operational pressures.
Implementation Method 1
The pressure relief lock valve is arranged such that in a valve closed position the pressure relief lock valve is engaged with the locking ring, therein restricting movement of the locking ring and therein fixing the plug to the coupler
Implementation Method 2
The pressure relief channel extends from the internal region of the body to atmosphere, via said pressure relief lock valve
Implementation Method 3
a flanged perimeter for securing the plug to the coupler
Data Source
AI summary
A pressure tight plug for sealing a coupler of a dry disconnect valve includes a housing, a main flow valve, and at least one urging member being rotatable with respect to the housing of the coupler. The pressure tight plug includes a body, a locking ring, a pressure relief lock valve, and a pressure relief channel. The body includes an internal region for sealing adjacent the main flow valve of the coupler member, and a flanged perimeter for securing the plug to the coupler. The locking ring is receivable on, and rotatable with respect to, the body for engaging with the at least one urging member of the coupler. The pressure relief lock valve is fixed with respect to the body. The pressure relief channel extends from the internal region of the body to atmosphere, via said pressure relief lock valve. The pressure relief lock valve is arranged such that in a valve closed position the pressure relief lock valve is engaged with the locking ring, therein restricting movement of the locking ring and therein fixing the plug to the coupler.