Low-Spill Coupling Assembly With Spring-Biased Multi-Seal Flow Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing coupling assemblies face challenges in providing a reliable and low-spill fluid flow path due to inadequate sealing mechanisms, which can lead to fluid leakage and inefficient fluid transfer in various applications.
Innovation Solution
A coupling system comprising a female coupling device with a spring-biased sleeve and multiple seals, and a male coupling device with a valve member and spring, allowing for secure engagement and disengagement to control fluid flow through the passageways, including a clip member for quick connection and disconnection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a coupling assembly uses a simple opening design for quick connection, then ease of operation is improved, but fluid leakage increases due to inadequate sealing
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling assembly incorporates pre-positioned seals (first seal, second seal, third seal) that are already in place before connection occurs. These seals are biased into sealing positions by springs, so that when the male and female couplings connect, fluid-tight sealing is immediately established without requiring additional sealing actions during the connection process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces seal elements as intermediary components between the male and female coupling bodies. These seals act as mediators that prevent direct fluid contact with the external environment during connection and disconnection operations, thereby eliminating fluid leakage while maintaining ease of operation.
2Reliability
If a coupling assembly uses multiple seals and spring mechanisms for reliable sealing, then fluid-tight configuration is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling assembly merges multiple sealing functions into a single connection action. The first seal, second seal, and third seal are all actuated simultaneously by the relative movement between male and female couplings, coordinated by the spring mechanisms. This integration allows reliable multi-point sealing without requiring complex independent control systems for each seal.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring mechanisms automatically bias the seals into their sealing positions and self-actuate during the connection process. When the male coupling is inserted into the female coupling, the relative movement automatically compresses the springs and positions the seals, eliminating the need for external actuation systems or complex control mechanisms.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If a coupling assembly maintains sealed configuration during connection, then fluid leakage is reduced, but fluid flow initiation is delayed
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling assembly maintains continuous sealing throughout the entire connection process. The seals remain in place and functional from the initial contact through to the final sealed configuration, ensuring no fluid leakage occurs at any stage. The spring mechanisms continuously maintain seal pressure, providing uninterrupted sealing action.
Solution Approach 2:
The seals are pre-positioned and pre-biased by springs before connection occurs. This preliminary sealing action ensures that fluid-tight configuration is established immediately upon contact between male and female couplings, eliminating any delay between connection initiation and fluid flow establishment.
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 system ensures a fluid-tight configuration during engagement and efficient fluid flow by disengaging seals when needed, minimizing spills and enhancing operational reliability across applications.
Implementation Method 1
a first spring positioned about the stem that biases the sleeve into a closed position
Implementation Method 2
a valve member and a second spring positioned within the second fluid passageway
Implementation Method 3
a first seal that seals between the main body and the sleeve; a second seal that seals between the sleeve and the stem head
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a low-spill coupling assembly including a female coupling device and a male coupling device.