Rotary-Locking Fluid Coupling for Cryogenic Sealing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid connections, particularly in cryogenic applications, face issues with inadvertent opening and closing due to twisting of pipes and the unsuitability of elastomeric O-rings for cryogenic conditions.
Innovation Solution
A fluidic coupling design featuring a male and female element with specific grooves and seals, including a U-shaped polymer seal with reinforcement, and a locking mechanism to prevent rotation in the uncoupling direction, ensuring secure connection and resistance to twisting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If elastomeric O-rings are used for sealing, then ease of manufacture is improved, but reliability deteriorates in cryogenic applications due to material deformation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter from elastomeric O-rings to PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene) seals, which maintain their structural integrity and sealing properties in cryogenic temperatures. This material substitution resolves the contradiction by providing reliable sealing in cold environments while remaining manufacturable through standard extrusion and molding processes.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the coupling allows free rotation between male and female bodies, then adaptability to pipe twisting is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to risk of inadvertent opening and closing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic locking mechanism where the piston can move between locked and unlocked positions based on operational needs. During normal operation, the piston locks the coupling to prevent inadvertent opening. During maintenance or emergency situations, the piston can be moved to unlock the coupling, allowing controlled disconnection. This dynamic system resolves the contradiction by providing both adaptability and reliability at different operational stages.
Solution Approach 2:
The piston acts as an intermediary element between the male and female coupling bodies. It transmits and controls the rotational movement, allowing the coupling to accommodate pipe twisting while preventing unauthorized opening. The piston's helical engagement with the female body provides controlled motion transmission, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and reliability.
3Reliability
If a locking mechanism is added to prevent rotation, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the locking mechanism with the existing piston and helical groove components. The piston, which already exists to control fluid flow, also serves as the locking element that prevents rotation when engaged with the female body. The helical groove that guides piston movement also provides the locking engagement surface. This merging of functions resolves the contradiction by providing reliable locking without adding separate complex mechanisms.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A fluidic fitting (R) comprising a male element (A) and a female element, a ring defining an internal channel of the female element (B), and a piston mounted with the ability to slide relative to the ring (28) between a closed and an open position of the internal channel. Between an uncoupled and coupled configuration of the fitting, the ring is rotated relative to the female body and is held longitudinally within the female body, while the piston is moved longitudinally from its closed position to its open position. The male body comprises an outer body and an inner body, the inner body defining an internal conduit of the male element (A). During coupling, the outer body and the ring are rotationally fixed about the longitudinal central axis. In the coupled configuration, the outer body and the ring are rotationally fixed.During coupling and in the coupled configuration, the outer and inner bodies are free to rotate but have no translational mobility. The female element (B) includes at least one locking member (45) movable between a position that blocks the rotation of the ring and a release position, and in the uncoupled configuration, the locking member (45) does not prevent the rotation of the ring.