Fluid Connector Clamping Valve for Compact Auto Shutoff
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid connection elements with cylindrical interfaces face challenges in automatically opening and closing, often requiring large bulk and limited fluid passage due to dependency on connector geometry and internal structures, leading to suboptimal performance with dimensional variations and wear.
Innovation Solution
A connection element with a movable valve and clamping pads that translate radially, driven by a socket body, allowing automatic opening and closing based on interface diameter and depth of engagement, reducing bulk and increasing fluid passage without axial support from the terminal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a valve ring driven by a support ring is used to open the coupling element, then the coupling element can open in the coupled configuration, but the footprint of the connection element becomes large, particularly in the longitudinal direction
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the support ring function from the valve actuation mechanism. Instead of using a support ring to drive the valve ring, the invention uses the terminal interface itself to directly actuate the valve through the conical portion and pads, eliminating the need for a separate support ring and reducing longitudinal footprint
Solution Approach 2:
The conical portion serves multiple functions: it acts as both the engagement surface for the terminal interface and the actuation mechanism for opening the valve. The pads both clamp the terminal and transmit the opening force to the valve, combining multiple functions into fewer components to reduce overall size
2Reliability
If the internal conduit is closed when uncoupled, then fluid leakage is prevented, but the connection element requires large bulk to accommodate the valve mechanism
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using a complex valve ring mechanism that requires large bulk, the invention inverts the approach by using a simple pad-based system where the pads themselves control the valve position. The valve is pushed open by the pads during coupling and returns closed when coupling is removed, achieving reliable sealing with minimal bulk
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses flexible pads instead of rigid valve rings. These pads can deform and adapt to the terminal interface while simultaneously actuating the valve, providing both reliable sealing and compact dimensions. The flexibility of the pads allows them to function with minimal structural support
3Ease of operation
If the valve opening depends on the geometry of the connector, then the valve can be opened, but the opening is not optimal when the connector geometry is imprecise or worn
Solution Approach 1:
The invention makes the system self-adjusting through the conical portion geometry. As the terminal interface engages with the conical portion, the pads are automatically pushed outward and rearward, which in turn automatically pushes the valve open. This self-service mechanism ensures optimal valve opening regardless of connector wear or geometric variations, as the conical geometry translates any engagement into sufficient valve actuation 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 automatic opening and closing of the connection element, reducing bulk and enhancing fluid passage while maintaining secure terminal engagement, independent of connector geometry and wear, thus improving adaptability and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a first elastic return member, returning the socket body in the forward direction, the socket body being in abutment in the forward direction against the clamping pads when the clamping pads are in the radial clamping position
Implementation Method 2
each clamping pad being moved in translation radially relative to the socket body, within their respective housing, and relative to the coupling body, by mechanical cooperation of the clamping pad with a conical portion of the coupling body
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
A connecting element (1), for a terminal (80) with a cylindrical casing, comprising: a connecting body (10); a valve (30); a socket body (60), movable in translation; clamping pads (50), moved by cooperation with a conical portion (16) of the connecting body (10), between initial radial and clamping positions; transmission means (35), the socket body (60) or the clamping pads (50) being able to drive the valve (30) via the transmission means (35), from a forward closing position of the body (60) to a rear opening position, when the clamping pads (50) move from the initial radial position to the radial clamping position; and a slot (17), in the connecting body (10), through which the transmission means (35) pass when the valve (30) is in the rear position.