Fluid Line Coupling Socket Layout for Low-Turbulence Sealing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing coupling devices for fluid lines often suffer from deteriorated fluid dynamics at the coupling point due to turbulence and dead areas, which can lead to uncontrolled fluid escape and potential environmental damage.

Innovation Solution

The coupling device incorporates a recording unit with a wave spring that is arranged radially outside the cylindrical section, reducing installation space while maintaining spring force. This design minimizes turbulence and dead areas by guiding fluid flow effectively through interruptions in the locking element.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a spring element is preloaded into a specific position by spring elements, then the closure element is held in a specific position (open or closed), but the spring element causes severe disruption of the fluid flow in the area of the coupling device

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveposition holdingVSAvoidfluid flow disruption
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The spring element is extracted from the fluid flow path and positioned in a recess of the closure element, separated from the fluid flow. This allows the spring to maintain the closure element in the desired position without causing turbulence or dead zones in the fluid flow.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The spring element is nested within a recess of the closure element, placing it inside a designated space that does not interfere with the fluid flow path. This nesting approach allows the spring to function while remaining hidden from the fluid stream.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Reliability

If the closure element is positioned to seal or open the fluid flow channel, then fluid flow control is achieved, but dead zones can lead to accumulation of fluid within the coupling device

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefluid flow controlVSAvoidfluid accumulation
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The spring element is extracted from potential dead zones and positioned within the closure element's recess, eliminating areas where fluid could accumulate. The design ensures that the spring does not create pockets or cavities that would trap fluid.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Device complexity

If the spring element is arranged within the fluid flow path, then compact design is achieved, but turbulence and dead zones are created

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespace utilizationVSAvoidturbulence
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The spring element is nested within the closure element's recess, utilizing the existing structure to house the spring without adding external complexity. This nesting achieves compact design while keeping the spring separated from the fluid flow path.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

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 improved fluid dynamics reduce turbulence and dead areas, preventing fluid accumulation and uncontrolled escape, thus enhancing safety and reducing the risk of environmental pollution.

Implementation Method 1

the spring element can be a wave spring. Compared to a coil spring, a wave spring requires less space while providing the same spring force.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectWave spring: Spring

Implementation Method 2

its closure element (20) provided with an end face for abutment against the plug-in unit (14), in a closed position configured to fluidically seal the fluid flow channel of the receiving unit (12) between a first end (16) and the second end (18)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFluid sealing:

Data Source

PatentEP4211382B1Coupling device for fluid lines
Publication Date: 2025.05.07 FRISCHE IND PIPES
  • EP4211382B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4211382B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4211382B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention relates to a socket unit (12) of a coupling device for fluid lines, the socket unit (12) comprising a closure element (34) which fluidically seals off the fluid flow duct when in a closed position, the closure element (34) being preloaded into the closed position using a spring element (28), wherein the closure element (34) comprises a cylindrical section (36) without holes, and, when the closure element (34) is in the release position, the entire spring element (28) is situated inside a region (80) which is completely overlapped by the cylindrical section (36) along its entire longitudinal extension, as viewed in a radial direction of the cylindrical section (36). The present invention further relates to a corresponding coupling device.