Dry-Break Fluid Coupling With Hydraulic Poppet for Low Coupling Force
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid coupling assemblies require excessive force for coupling due to fluid compression, rely on heavy springs for sealing, and have low flow rates due to complex and tortuous flow paths.
Innovation Solution
A fluid coupling assembly with a dry-break configuration featuring a nozzle sub-assembly and a receiver sub-assembly, where the nozzle body displaces a receiver poppet to open the inlet, and a sliding sleeve exposes the fluid discharge opening, maintaining constant fluid volume and using a hydraulically-actuated poppet valve to facilitate fluid flow, reducing biasing force and friction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional quick-connect fluid couplings are used, then sealing is achieved, but excessive force is required for coupling due to fluid compression
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling assembly is divided into separate male and female halves with independent sealing mechanisms. The male coupling has an inner valve that seals the inlet, while the female coupling has an outer valve that seals the outlet, allowing each side to manage sealing independently without requiring excessive compression force on the fluid.
Solution Approach 2:
The valves are positioned and pre-configured to seal before complete coupling occurs. The inner valve of the male coupling seals the inlet passage prior to full engagement, and the outer valve of the female coupling seals the outlet passage, preventing fluid compression issues during the coupling process.
2Reliability
If heavy gauge springs are used for sealing on uncoupling, then sealing reliability is improved, but device complexity and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling utilizes fluid pressure itself to assist the spring mechanism in maintaining valve sealing. The hydraulic or pneumatic pressure differential across the valves works in conjunction with the springs to keep seals engaged, reducing the burden on the spring mechanism and simplifying the overall biasing system.
3Reliability
If complicated assemblies with tortuous flow paths are used, then sealing and locking are achieved, but flow rates are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The valve components are extracted as separate, movable elements within the flow path rather than being integrated into fixed, tortuous passages. The inner and outer valves can open to create direct flow paths, eliminating the need for complicated bent passages while maintaining sealing capability when closed.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling employs dynamic valves that can transition between open and closed positions based on coupling state. When coupled, the valves are forced open to create direct flow paths; when uncoupled, they close to seal the passages. This dynamic operation allows direct flow during operation while maintaining sealing capability when disconnected.
4Productivity
If residual pressure is present in the fluid line, then continuous flow is maintained, but coupling force requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The valves are pre-positioned to seal the fluid passages before complete coupling occurs. This preliminary sealing action prevents residual pressure from building up and opposing the coupling force, allowing the coupling to engage smoothly even when fluid is present in the lines.
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 minimizes fluid compression, reduces operator effort, and enhances flow rates by allowing coupling without excessive force, even with residual pressure, and maintains sealing efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a hydraulically-actuated poppet valve (30) mounted within the receiver body (26)
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates broadly to a fluid coupling assembly (10) comprising a fluid nozzle sub-assembly (12) arranged to releasably couple to a fluid receiver sub-assembly (14). The fluid nozzle sub-assembly (12) includes a nozzle assembly body (16) defining a pressurised and upstream fluid passageway (18) having a fluid discharge opening (20), and a sleeve (22) slidably mounted to the nozzle body (16) and arranged on sliding movement for opening of the fluid discharge opening (20). The fluid receiver sub-assembly (14) includes a receiver body (26) defining a downstream fluid passageway (28), a hydraulically-actuated poppet valve (30) mounted within the receiver body (26), and a receiver poppet valve (48) including a receiver poppet (54) mounted within the receiver body (26). On coupling of the nozzle sub-assembly (12) to the receiver sub-assembly (14), the following steps occur: 1. the receiver body (26) abuts the sleeve (22) displacing it axially relative to the nozzle body (16) exposing and thus opening the fluid discharge opening (20) permitting fluid to flow through the upstream fluid passageway (18); 2. the fluid flowing through the upstream fluid passageway (18) enters the downstream fluid passageway (28) hydraulically actuating the hydraulically-actuated poppet valve (30) to open it wherein the fluid flows through the downstream fluid passageway (28) exiting the receiver sub-assembly (14).