Rapid-Connect Coupler Venting With Anti-Rotation Receptacle Lock
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Solution Overview
Problem
Cryogenic fluid transfer couplers face issues with freeze-up in moist environments, leading to mechanical part impaction and potential ejection due to high-pressure venting during decoupling.
Innovation Solution
A rapid-connect coupler design featuring a housing with a probe and handle assembly that translates longitudinally, including a slidable sleeve with a collar to prevent rotation relative to the receptacle, and a vent stop assembly for controlled fluid venting, preventing hard stops and ice formation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a rapid-connect coupler is used to transfer cryogenic fluid, then fluid transfer efficiency is improved, but freeze-up of mechanical parts occurs in moist environments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary anti-action by providing heating elements that preemptively heat the coupler body and mechanical parts before cryogenic fluid contact occurs. This prevents freeze-up of the probe, seal, and other mechanical components before they can be damaged by ice formation from ambient moisture.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements beforehand cushioning by incorporating thermal insulation layers around the coupler body and heating elements that activate before fluid transfer. This creates a protective thermal barrier that cushions the mechanical parts from the extreme cold, preventing ice formation on seals and moving parts.
2Stress or pressure
If high-pressure fluid venting is allowed during decoupling, then pressure relief is achieved, but the coupler may forcefully eject from the receptacle
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary anti-action by providing a vent stop assembly that prevents the probe from moving too far during venting. The stop member engages with the probe to limit its travel distance, thereby preventing the coupler from ejecting while still allowing sufficient pressure relief through controlled venting.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses an intermediary approach by introducing a vent stop assembly as a mediating mechanism between the high-pressure fluid venting and the coupler position. The stop assembly acts as an intermediary element that allows pressure relief while physically limiting the ejection force transmission to the coupler body.
3Strength
If the probe translates without hard stops, then mechanical wear is reduced, but precise positioning control becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by transitioning from static hard stops to a dynamic vent stop assembly. The stop member can engage and disengage based on probe position and venting requirements, allowing the system to adapt between needing precision (when engaged) and needing durability (when disengaged during normal operation).
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses parameter changes by making the stop condition variable rather than fixed. The vent stop assembly changes the system state from having hard constraints (permanent stops) to having conditional constraints (stops that engage only when needed for venting or positioning), thereby balancing wear reduction with positioning precision.
Data Source
AI summary
A rapid connect coupler for connecting a fluid holding tank to a receptacle in a non-rotatable manner can include a housing, a probe configured to translate in a longitudinal direction within the housing, and a handle assembly configured to cause the probe to translate within the housing. The handle assembly can be movable between a plurality of positions corresponding to decoupled, coupled and venting positions. The coupler can also include a slidable sleeve coupled to an outer surface of the probe and configured to translate with the probe in the longitudinal direction, the sleeve including a collar configured to engage the receptacle in the coupled and uncoupled positions to prevent rotation of the coupler with respect to the receptacle when the two components are engaged to one another.