Quick Disconnect Coupling with Make-Before-Break Valve
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Solution Overview
Problem
Quick disconnect couplings for forming fluid pathways face challenges in maintaining a secure and leak-free connection while allowing easy disconnection and reconnection, particularly in applications where fluid flow needs to be quickly managed, such as in fuel systems for vehicles.
Innovation Solution
A female coupling with a slot for a movable latch and a mating male coupling that includes a valve system, where the latch moves transversely to connect and disconnect the couplings, ensuring a 'make before you break' connection to minimize fluid loss, and the use of different materials for enhanced strength and compatibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a latch mechanism is used to connect male and female couplings, then the connection security is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling system is divided into separate male and female components with distinct functions. The male coupling contains the valve assembly while the female coupling provides the latch mechanism, allowing independent optimization of each component and simplifying the overall system architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The latch mechanism is designed to automatically engage and lock when the male coupling is inserted into the female coupling. The spring-loaded latch automatically actuates upon insertion, eliminating the need for manual operation and reducing control complexity while maintaining secure connection.
2Productivity
If a valve system is integrated into the male coupling, then fluid flow control is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The valve assembly is integrated directly into the male coupling body, combining the flow control function with the connection component. This merging eliminates the need for separate valve housings and mounting mechanisms, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining effective fluid flow control.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve is designed to automatically actuate based on the connection state. When the male coupling is inserted into the female coupling, the valve automatically opens to allow fluid flow. When disconnected, the valve automatically closes, eliminating the need for external control mechanisms.
3Ease of operation
If the latch moves transversely to connect couplings, then the ease of operation is improved, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The slot in the female coupling is designed with an asymmetric profile that guides the latch movement. The slot width and positioning are optimized to accommodate manufacturing tolerances while ensuring proper alignment during insertion, reducing the precision requirements compared to a symmetric design.
Solution Approach 2:
The latch and slot surfaces incorporate curved transitions and radii that accommodate manufacturing variations. The curved profile allows for self-alignment during insertion, reducing the impact of manufacturing tolerances on the final alignment and making the system more robust to precision variations.
Data Source
AI summary
A system includes a body with a fluid passage therethrough, a first open end, and an opposite termination, a valve positioned within the body and including first and second ends, the valve moving between open and closed positions, the valve being biased into the closed position, and a seal positioned on the second end of the valve, the seal forming the closed position when the valve is biased towards the first open end of the body, and the seal engaging a shoulder formed by the body to retain the valve within the body. The seal is accessible from the termination of the body to allow the valve to be coupled to the body.