Emergency Release Coupling With Conical Sealing Surfaces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing breakaway couplings are ineffective at low temperatures and lack the ability to predetermine the force at which they release, posing risks during the transportation of cryogenic fluids.
Innovation Solution
A robust breakaway coupling design featuring self-closing fluid locks with metallic expanding springs and conical sealing surfaces, where ring segments with inclined or conical surfaces are clamped by a prestressing element, allowing for controlled disengagement under excessive tension, and utilizing a sealing lip made from polytetrafluoroethylene for effective sealing at low temperatures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional seals (O-ring, press seal, flat seal) are used in breakaway couplings, then the coupling can be constructed simply, but the seal becomes ineffective at low temperatures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter of the sealing lip from conventional elastomers to polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), which maintains its sealing properties at low temperatures. This material substitution allows the seal to remain effective in cryogenic conditions without becoming brittle or losing elasticity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a composite sealing structure combining PTFE sealing lip with a metallic expanding spring. This composite design leverages the temperature-resistant properties of PTFE and the mechanical strength of metal, creating a seal system that functions reliably at low temperatures where conventional single-material seals fail.
2Strength
If the breakaway coupling uses fixed retaining mechanisms, then the connection is strong, but it cannot release at predetermined forces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces fixed retaining mechanisms with dynamic elements including an expanding spring and ring segments with inclined surfaces. The spring provides continuous prestressing force to maintain strong connection, while the inclined surfaces allow the ring segments to move and disengage when the applied force exceeds the predetermined threshold, enabling controlled release.
Solution Approach 2:
The expanding spring is pre-loaded during assembly to establish a predetermined release force threshold. This preliminary action sets the connection strength and determines exactly when release will occur, allowing the coupling to maintain strong connection under normal conditions while automatically releasing when excessive tension is detected.
3Reliability
If ring segments are pressed tightly by prestressing element, then the connection is secure, but excessive tension cannot be released
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses conical surfaces on the ring segments that convert axial prestressing force into radial clamping force. The inclined surfaces allow the ring segments to pivot and move radially outward when excessive tension is applied, providing a mechanical advantage that enables secure connection during normal operation while allowing controlled release when the force threshold is exceeded.
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 coupling effectively separates under excessive tension while maintaining a leak-proof seal, preventing fluid escape and ensuring safety during vehicle movement, even in cryogenic conditions.
Implementation Method 1
an expanding seal which contains a metallic expanding spring which presses a sealing lip of the expanding seal against a sealing counter surface even at low temperatures
Implementation Method 2
the ring segments have inclined surfaces or conical surfaces which are directed in such a way that when the breakaway clutch is pulled, radial forces develop on the ring segments counter to the forces of a prestressing element
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
AI summary
Emergency release coupling with contact-tight end flanges (11, 21) on the first and second coupling halves (1; 2). The end flanges have inclined or tapered surfaces (15; 25) and are encircled in the region of these surfaces by annular segments (3) that in turn are pressed against the inclined or tapered surfaces by a pretensioning element (4). Upon excessive tension on the coupling halves (1; 2) the latter are released against the force of the pretensioning element (4).