Cryogenic Coupling Leak Testing Without End Modification

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional pressure and leak testing of cryogenic bayonet couplings requires physical modifications such as welding and machining, which introduce debris and heat, altering the connector's configuration.

Innovation Solution

A testing apparatus and method that uses clamp plates and seals to securely enclose the cryogenic coupling, allowing for internal pressurization without modifying the coupling ends, utilizing seals and pressure fittings to create a hermetic seal and detect leaks.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional welding and machining operations are used for pressure and leak testing, then the connectors can be sealed and tested, but debris and heat are produced which change the end-use configuration of the connector

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetesting reliabilityVSAvoidconnector configuration integrity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces clamp plates with seals as intermediary components that temporarily seal the connector ends during testing without permanently modifying the connector. The seals create a hermetic barrier between the test medium and the connector interior, allowing pressure and leak testing without direct contact between welding tools and the connector surfaces.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the welding-based sealing method with a mechanical clamping and sealing system. Instead of using heat and molten metal to seal the connectors, the invention uses clamp plates with seals that mechanically enclose the connector ends, eliminating the harmful thermal and debris-generating welding process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Productivity

If welding caps are used to seal connectors for testing, then internal pressurization can be achieved, but the caps must be cut off and ends refinished which produces debris and heat

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetesting efficiencyVSAvoiddebris and heat

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The clamp plates with seals serve as removable intermediaries that enable testing without permanent modification. The seals create the necessary hermetic barrier for pressurization, and the clamp plates provide the mechanical interface for applying sealing force, allowing the entire sealing and testing process to be performed without cutting or machining operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The clamp plates with seals are designed as reusable components that can be applied and removed multiple times. Instead of welding caps that must be discarded after a single use and require cleanup operations, the clamp plates are recovered and reused for subsequent testing operations, eliminating the need for cutting and refinishing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #34Discarding and recovering

3Reliability

If physical modification of connectors is performed for testing, then sealing can be achieved, but the connector's end-use configuration is altered

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesealing integrityVSAvoidconnector configuration stability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The seals act as intermediaries that create the hermetic barrier needed for reliable sealing without modifying the connector structure. The seals are positioned between the clamp plates and the connector ends, transferring the sealing function from the connector material itself to a dedicated sealing component that can be applied and removed without affecting the connector's configuration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The sealing function is segmented into a separate component (the seal) rather than being integrated into the connector structure. This allows the sealing operation to be performed independently without affecting the connector's configuration, as the seal is a distinct element that can be applied to the connector end without modifying the connector itself.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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

Enables efficient pressure and leak testing of cryogenic couplings without physical alterations, maintaining the integrity of the coupling ends and reducing debris and heat-related issues.

Implementation Method 1

The first seal is configured to create a hermetic seal between the first clamp plate and the first end of the cryogenic coupling. The second seal is configured to create a hermetic seal between the second clamp plate and the second end of the cryogenic coupling.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHermetic seal:

Data Source

PatentUS20250377255A1Systems, apparatuses, and methods for testing cryogenic couplings

Publication Date: 2025.12.11 THE BOEING CO

AI summary

An apparatus for testing a cryogenic coupling includes a frame, a first clamp plate, and a second clamp plate. The first clamp plate is coupled to the frame and is configured to contact a first end of the cryogenic coupling. The second clamp plate is coupled to the frame and is configured to contact a second end of the cryogenic coupling. At least one of the first clamp plate and the second clamp plate is movable along the frame relative to one another such that the cryogenic coupling is clamped between the first clamp plate and the second clamp plate.