Cryogenic Line Connection Assembly With Double Sealing Barrier
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connection assemblies for cryogenic fluid lines, such as those used in aircraft systems, are bulky and impractical for installation in confined spaces, requiring significant space for assembly and separation, and lack effective leak detection mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A flange-connection assembly with grooves for O-ring seals and a fluid expansion chamber that includes a detector for leak detection, allowing for a more compact connection while ensuring the integrity of the cryogenic fluid line and enabling early detection of leaks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional connector pairs with significant insertion length are used to ensure reliable sealing, then sealing reliability is improved, but the device size and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing function is segmented into two separate O-ring seals positioned at different locations within the flange connection. The first O-ring seal is positioned in a first groove, and the second O-ring seal is positioned in a second groove with greater diameter, creating multiple sealing barriers that achieve reliable sealing without requiring significant insertion length.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection assembly nests the expansion chamber within the flange structure, and positions the O-ring seals within grooves that are concentrically arranged. The detector is nested within the expansion chamber, creating a compact configuration that maximizes sealing reliability while minimizing overall connection assembly size.
2Reliability
If rigid connectors with significant insertion length are used to achieve sealed connection, then sealing reliability is improved, but the ease of operation during assembly and separation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The connection assembly is segmented into flange portions with distinct sealing zones. The O-ring seals are positioned in separate grooves that allow for easier alignment and engagement during assembly, and facilitate separation by providing defined separation points without requiring significant insertion length.
Solution Approach 2:
The design changes the geometric parameters of the grooves and O-ring positions to optimize both sealing reliability and ease of operation. The first groove has a specific diameter and position, while the second groove has a greater diameter, creating optimal sealing surfaces that are easy to engage and disengage.
3Device complexity
If traditional connection assemblies without leak detection are used, then device complexity is reduced, but the ability to detect leaks deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The expansion chamber acts as an intermediary space between the sealed connection and the external environment. The detector is positioned within this chamber to monitor for leaks, providing a buffer zone that allows leak detection without adding significant complexity to the overall connection assembly structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection assembly structure itself provides the framework for leak detection through the integrated expansion chamber and detector positioning. The grooves and chambers are designed to naturally channel and contain potential leaks, making detection easier without requiring additional complex external systems.
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 provides a less bulky connection assembly that effectively seals cryogenic fluid lines and allows for early detection of leaks, enhancing the practicality of installing fluid distribution systems in confined spaces like aircraft while maintaining the integrity of the fluid transport.
Implementation Method 1
the first groove and second groove being configured such that the first seal and second seal which are positioned therein produce a sealed connection between the two flanges by isolating the inner conduit from the exterior of the line
Implementation Method 2
the expansion chamber comprising a detector for detecting the presence of the cryogenic fluid in the cryogenic fluid expansion chamber
Implementation Method 3
opening out, for the other part, into an expansion chamber for the cryogenic fluid
Data Source
AI summary
A connection assembly between two portions of a line including an inner conduit for transporting a cryogenic fluid, the assembly including two flanges which are respectively arranged at the ends of the line portions and which are configured to be held in contact with one another by virtue of a fixing arrangement. The contact zone between the two flanges includes at least two grooves for positioning seals and at least one conduit opening out, for the one part, between the two seals and, for the other part, into an expansion chamber for the cryogenic fluid. The expansion chamber is arranged in one, or in the vicinity of one, of the first connection flange and the second connection flange. The expansion chamber includes a detector for detecting the presence of the cryogenic fluid in the expansion chamber or a recess configured for the installation of such a detector.