Rapid-Connect Coupler Vent-Stop for Pressure Release and Freeze-Up

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Solution Overview

Problem

Cryogenic fluid transfer systems face issues with freeze-up and leakage due to moisture, and the risk of forceful de-coupling from high-pressure gas, which can cause injury and equipment damage, especially in the context of liquefied natural gas (LNG) handling.

Innovation Solution

A rapid-connect coupler design that includes a vent-stop mechanism allowing controlled venting before disengagement, featuring a ball cage and poppet assembly with a positive stop to manage pressure and prevent recoil, along with a configuration that maintains coupling during venting to absorb potential forces.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If rapid-connect coupler is used for cryogenic fluid transfer, then transfer speed is improved, but freeze-up and leakage occur due to moisture in moist environments

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetransfer speedVSAvoidfreeze-up and leakage

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts and removes moisture from the coupling system by incorporating heating elements that actively warm the coupling surfaces before and during connection. This prevents moisture accumulation and freeze-up on sealing surfaces, allowing rapid transfers in moist environments without compromising reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the temperature parameter of the coupling surfaces by integrating heating mechanisms. By actively controlling the temperature of the coupling interfaces, the system prevents moisture from freezing while maintaining rapid transfer capability, thus resolving the contradiction between speed and reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If de-coupling is performed quickly for rapid transfers, then productivity is improved, but high-pressure gas causes forceful de-coupling and potential injury

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetransfer speedVSAvoidforceful de-coupling and injury risk

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by automatically venting trapped gas from the coupling chamber before the actual de-coupling occurs. This pre-venting step reduces the pressure buildup that would otherwise cause forceful recoil during separation, enabling rapid transfers without safety hazards.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent converts the harmful effect of trapped high-pressure gas into a beneficial controlled venting process. By providing designated vent paths and pressure relief mechanisms, the system safely releases gas pressure that would otherwise cause dangerous recoil, transforming a hazard into a controlled feature that enables rapid operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Data Source

PatentEP3511601B1Rapid-connect coupler with vent-stop

Publication Date: 2023.10.11 ENGINEERED CONTROLS INT

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AI summary

An embodiment includes a rapid-connect coupler including a coupler body (102) configured to convey a fluid; a coupling head (101) at a first end of and communicating with the coupler body, the coupling head configured to transition between a coupled configuration and a de-coupled configuration. The coupler may further include a stop apparatus configured to allow the coupling head to transition from the de-coupled configuration to the coupled configuration without obstruction, and the stop apparatus may be configured to provide a hard-stop as the coupling head transitions from the coupled configuration to the de-coupled configuration.