Female Quick Coupling Valve with External Piston Linkage
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing female quick coupling elements for pressurized fluid pipes face challenges in reliability and durability, particularly when handling high-pressure fluids like liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) or hydrogen, due to the need for robust rod structures that compromise flow efficiency and service life.
Innovation Solution
A female quick coupling element with a valve system featuring two pistons connected by mechanical means outside the fluid circulation conduit, where the forces on the pistons are antagonistic, allowing for balanced operation and increased durability by avoiding chemical interaction with hydrogen.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a rod connects two pistons through the fluid circulation conduit to control high-pressure fluid flow, then the valve can be operated at very high pressures (e.g., 300 bars for LPG), but the rod section must be increased to resist fluid forces, making it cumbersome and reducing flow efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the mechanical connection between pistons from the fluid circulation conduit by positioning the rod and its connecting means outside the conduit. This allows the rod to have sufficient section area to resist high-pressure fluid forces without obstructing fluid flow, as it no longer needs to pass through the conduit.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention relocates the rod from a position within the fluid conduit (one-dimensional constraint) to an external position where it connects to the pistons from outside the fluid path. This dimensional repositioning allows the rod to have the necessary structural strength without compromising fluid flow efficiency.
2Strength
If the rod section is increased to resist forces from pressurized fluid acting on two pistons, then the valve can operate at high pressures, but the rod becomes all the more cumbersome and impedes fluid flow
Solution Approach 1:
The rod is extracted from the fluid circulation path and positioned externally, allowing it to have the necessary strength to resist high-pressure forces without impeding fluid flow. The fluid flows through the conduit unobstructed while the rod provides mechanical support from outside the flow path.
3Reliability
If the rod passes through the fluid circulation conduit to connect the two pistons, then simultaneous operation of both pistons is achieved, but the rod is subjected to chemical action from fluids like hydrogen, reducing its service life
Solution Approach 1:
The rod is extracted from direct contact with the fluid circulation conduit and positioned externally. This prevents chemical degradation from hydrogen or other aggressive fluids, significantly extending the rod's service life while maintaining its function in coordinating piston movement through alternative connection paths.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces intermediate connection elements (such as connection pieces or external linkage mechanisms) that transmit the mechanical forces between pistons without requiring the rod to pass through the fluid conduit. This intermediary approach protects the rod from chemical exposure while maintaining mechanical coordination.
4Device complexity
If a single rod connects both pistons through the conduit, then the structure is simple, but it reduces the flow section and makes the rod cumbersome for high-pressure applications
Solution Approach 1:
The rod is extracted from the fluid conduit and repositioned externally, allowing it to have sufficient cross-sectional area for high-pressure applications without reducing the fluid flow section. This maintains structural simplicity while eliminating the flow obstruction problem.
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 enhances the reliability and durability of the valve operation by compensating forces without hindering fluid flow and protecting the mechanical connection means from chemical degradation, thus improving the overall performance and longevity of the coupling element.
Implementation Method 1
each define one of two opposite surfaces in contact with the fluid when the valve is open. When the valve is open, the forces exerted by the fluid on each of the two pistons are antagonistic
Implementation Method 2
the first and second pistons are connected by mechanical connection means. The forces of the pressurized fluid on the two pistons pull the rod
Implementation Method 3
the first piston being able to cooperate directly or indirectly with a seat formed by the body of the female element for closing the valve
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
This quick-connect female element, intended for the removable joining of pressurized fluid pipelines, is equipped with a fluid circulation conduit (44) and a valve (200) for controlling the fluid flow in the conduit, comprising a first piston (50) and a second piston (52) movable in the same direction (Y-Y') relative to a body (40) of the female element (A). The first piston is adapted to cooperate directly or indirectly with a seat (47) formed by the body of the female element for closing the valve (200), while the first and second pistons are connected by mechanical linkages (142, 144, 152, 154) and each defines one of two opposing surfaces (502, 522) in contact with the fluid when the valve (200) is open. The mechanical linkage means (142, 144, 152, 154) between the first and second pistons (50, 52) are arranged outside the fluid circulation conduit (44).