Double Poppet Coupling With Low Pressure Drop Serviceable Valve Assembly

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Solution Overview

Problem

Double poppet valve couplings in prior art suffer from high pressure drops and complex service procedures, requiring replacement or retrieval of the entire coupling.

Innovation Solution

A double poppet valve coupling design featuring two coupling halves with poppet valve assemblies, an anchoring element, a poppet element, and a spring, allowing for a continuous flow path with minimal pressure drop and simplified service through a releasable valve seat ring and additive manufacturing for reduced diameter and complexity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of energy

If prior art double poppet valve couplings are used, then the coupling function is provided, but high pressure drops occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepressure dropVSAvoidcoupling structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The coupling is divided into two separate coupling halves, each with its own poppet valve assembly. This segmentation allows each half to be optimized independently for minimal pressure drop while maintaining the overall coupling function. The through-going bore design in each half ensures smooth fluid flow paths.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention introduces a new dimensional approach by creating a tapered outer circumference on the anchoring element that extends toward the second connecting end. This tapered geometry optimizes the flow path in the radial dimension, reducing turbulence and pressure drop while maintaining structural integrity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Ease of repair

If prior art double poppet valve couplings are used, then the coupling function is provided, but service procedures are complicated requiring replacement of the whole coupling

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveservice procedureVSAvoidcoupling structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of repairVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The coupling is segmented into two independent halves connected via first connecting ends, with each half containing a complete poppet valve assembly. This segmentation enables modular service procedures where individual components can be accessed and replaced without affecting the entire coupling system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The poppet valve assembly (comprising anchoring element, poppet element, and spring) is extracted as a separate, replaceable unit within each coupling half. The valve seat ring provides a releasable connection that allows the poppet element to be removed and replaced independently, simplifying maintenance operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Volume of moving object

If traditional manufacturing methods are used, then the coupling can be produced, but the diameter is larger and complexity is higher

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecoupling diameterVSAvoidmanufacturing process

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The invention utilizes additive manufacturing technology to produce the coupling halves, enabling complex geometries to be created with smaller overall dimensions. The tapered outer circumference of the anchoring element and the integrated flow path designs can be manufactured with precise parameter control, reducing the coupling diameter while maintaining structural integrity and fluid capacity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 design minimizes pressure drop and simplifies service procedures by providing a continuous flow path and allowing for easy replacement of the poppet element, while additive manufacturing reduces the coupling's diameter without compromising fluid capacity.

Implementation Method 1

a spring arranged between the poppet element and the anchoring element preloading the poppet element to abut against the poppet seat

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSpring preload: Spring

Implementation Method 2

the end section has an outer circumference tapering off towards the second connecting end

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressure drop minimization through tapered geometry: Pressure Drop

Data Source

PatentUS11168824B2Poppet coupling

Publication Date: 2021.11.09 FMC KONGSBERG SUBSEA AS

AI summary

The present invention provides a double poppet valve coupling comprising a first coupling half (1) and a second coupling half (2), wherein each of the first and second coupling halves comprises a housing (3) and a poppet valve assembly (7) with a spring biased poppet element (9), wherein the housing comprises a through-going bore (4), a first connecting end (5), a second connecting end (6) and a poppet seat (11), and the first and the second coupling halves may be coupled together via their respective first connecting ends (5) such that the respective poppet valve assemblies are opened providing a continuous flow path through the coupling; the end section of the poppet element comprises a pressure equalizing fluid channel (36a,36b).