Filling Connector Dust Valve Actuation and Seal Protection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing filling connectors face issues with particle intrusion leading to seal pollution and leakage, particularly when vertical, and existing solutions either fail to actuate the isolation valve effectively or leave the upstream valve exposed to dust, resulting in inadequate protection and frequent seal wear.
Innovation Solution
A filling connector design featuring a dust valve element with two concentric parts that can move selectively to guide and direct the flow of gas, allowing for both static sealing and dynamic actuation of the isolation valve, reducing turbulence and wear, and protecting the seal from particles and mechanical stress.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a dust plug is provided to protect against particle intrusion, then protection against foreign bodies is improved, but the dust plug cannot be actuated by mechanical contact to open the isolation valve
Solution Approach 1:
The filling connector is divided into two separate valve elements: a dust valve element (upstream) and an isolation valve element (downstream). The dust valve element can be actuated by mechanical contact from the filling outlet, while the isolation valve element is actuated by the dust valve element itself, allowing independent control of each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The dust valve element serves as an intermediary between the filling outlet and the isolation valve element. It transmits the mechanical actuation force from the filling outlet to open the isolation valve, while also providing the primary protection against particle intrusion.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a filter is provided upstream of the isolation valve element, then particle retention is improved, but mechanical actuation of the isolation valve element is prevented
Solution Approach 1:
The filtering function is separated from the actuation function by placing the dust valve element upstream of the isolation valve element. The dust valve element can be opened by mechanical contact without interfering with the isolation valve's actuation mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The dust valve element replaces the need for a physical filter barrier. Instead of using a filter that would block mechanical actuation, the system uses a valve element that can be opened mechanically to allow flow while still providing protection when closed.
3Productivity
If the filling connector is positioned vertically for filling from the top, then filling efficiency is improved, but the risk of particle intrusion into the isolation valve element is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The dust valve element provides preliminary protection against particle intrusion before particles can reach the isolation valve element. By positioning the dust valve upstream and having it close automatically, particles are blocked from entering the isolation valve even during vertical filling operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The dust valve element is designed to close automatically before particles can contaminate the isolation valve element during vertical filling. This preliminary action of closing the dust valve prevents particle intrusion while maintaining filling efficiency.
4Reliability
If seals are provided to ensure sealing between filling outlet and connector, then seal integrity is improved, but seal wear increases during successive filling operations
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing function is segmented between the dust valve element and the isolation valve element. Each valve has its own sealing mechanism, distributing the wear and stress across multiple sealing points rather than concentrating it on a single seal.
Solution Approach 2:
The dust valve element acts as a sacrificial component that can be easily replaced. It absorbs the wear and contamination that would otherwise affect more critical sealing components, extending the overall service life of the filling system.
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
This configuration enhances the reliability and safety of the filling system by reducing leakage risks, protecting the isolation valve, and maintaining the seal integrity during multiple fillings, while allowing for effective actuation and protection against dust and particles.
Implementation Method 1
said dust valve element being urged into its upstream position by at least one return member
Implementation Method 2
said isolation valve element being urged into its upstream position by a return member
Data Source
AI summary
Filling connector comprising a body (2) defining an internal filling circuit (6) between an upstream end (3) and a downstream end (4), with the connector comprising an isolation valve element (7) mobile relatively to a seat (8) between an upstream position in which the circuit is closed and a downstream position in which the circuit is open, with the connector (1) further comprising a dust valve element (10, 100) positioned upstream of the isolation valve element (7), characterised in that the dust valve element (10, 100) can be moved selectively towards downstream either:a) in a first set downstream position referred to as “without contact” which opens the upstream end (3) of the circuit (6), or inb) a second set downstream position referred to as “contact” which opens the upstream end (3) of the circuit (6).