Elastomeric Sleeve Fluid Connection for Vapor Containment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Refilling tanks with liquids that emit strong odors or health-endangering vapors, such as AdBlue used in SCR processes, poses challenges in preventing vapor escape during refilling, requiring effective and safe fluid connection methods.
Innovation Solution
A fluid connection device with a tubular shaft and elastomeric sleeve, where side openings are initially sealed but connected via an annular gap formed under axial compression, allowing fluid transfer while minimizing vapor escape through a ventilation hose.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If pouring refilling method is used, then refilling is simple, but vapors escape causing odor nuisance and health hazards
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a ventilation hose as an intermediary component that provides a controlled path for vapors to travel from the tank back to the canister. This mediator prevents uncontrolled vapor escape into the environment while maintaining the simplicity of the refilling operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention nests the ventilation hose within the fluid connection structure, where the hose is guided through the shaft and connected to the canister interior. This nested arrangement integrates the vapor containment function within the existing refilling mechanism without adding external complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If elastomeric sleeve is compressed to form annular gap for fluid communication, then side openings are connected, but compression force is required
Solution Approach 1:
The elastomeric sleeve is pre-formed with a barrel-shaped crown that creates an annular gap when compressed. This preliminary shaping of the sleeve allows it to naturally form the required gap structure under compression, reducing the force needed compared to a completely rigid structure that would require significant force to deform.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses an elastomeric (flexible) sleeve instead of a rigid structure. This flexible material can be compressed axially to form the annular gap, and the elasticity of the material reduces the compression force required compared to deforming a rigid component.
3Force
If barrel-shaped crown is added to shaft, then compression force is reduced, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The shaft is given a barrel-shaped crown that modifies its geometric parameters in the compression zone. This parameter change (adding the crown) allows the elastomeric sleeve to be pre-formed to match, distributing the compression more effectively and reducing the force needed. The manufacturing complexity is offset by the functional benefit of reduced compression force.
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 safe and efficient refilling by creating a sealed fluid path between tank and canister, preventing vapor escape and ensuring containment of vapors during the refilling process.
Implementation Method 1
An elastomeric sleeve sits on the outside of the tubular shaft and surrounds the shaft at the level of the at least two side openings. During axial compression, an annular gap or annular space is formed between the outside of the shaft and the inside of the sleeve
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a fluid connection device (1), comprising a tubular shaft (2), the interior of which is divided by a partition (8) into two partial spaces (6, 9) separated from each other. A respective side opening (11,12) opens into each of the two partial spaces. The side openings are covered by an elastomeric sleeve (3) so that the side openings are sealed shut as long as no other external forces act on the sleeve. By means of a union nut (4), which is intended to connect the tubular shaft to a container and is screwed onto the fitting thereof, the sleeve is compressed in the axial direction and produces an annular gap that extends across the side openings, by means of which annular gap the side openings are flow-connected from then on.