Fluid Coupler Valve Sequencing for Low-Force Leak-Tight Connection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid pipe connections, particularly quick coupling systems for high-pressure fluids like heat transfer liquids, face issues with leaks and high coupling forces due to the sequence of valve opening and pressure release during coupling, which can be detrimental in environments with electrical equipment.
Innovation Solution
A fluid connection design featuring a male and female fitting element with a main valve and safety valve configuration, where the safety valve is moved to the opening position before the main valve, allowing for initial pressure release and reducing coupling force, and incorporating seals to ensure maximum tightness during coupling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the main valve is opened by contacting the front ends of male and female bodies during coupling, then the main valves repel each other towards the rear to open the main passage, but the fluid communication between secondary passages and intermediate volume is obstructed, limiting pressure lowering and generating high coupling forces
Solution Approach 1:
The safety valve is designed to open before the main valve during the coupling process. The pusher mechanism first actuates the safety valve to establish fluid communication between the secondary passage and intermediate volume, allowing pressure equalization to occur before the main valves are forced open. This preliminary action reduces the pressure differential that would otherwise generate high coupling forces.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve system is segmented into two independent valves: a safety valve for pressure equalization and a main valve for primary fluid flow. This segmentation allows the safety valve to handle the pressure differential separately from the main valve, enabling controlled pressure release through the secondary passage while the main passage remains closed until appropriate timing.
2Reliability
If the secondary valve opens after coupling to seal between male and female bodies, then a leak of pressure fluid necessarily occurs during the transition from unaccoupled to coupled configuration
Solution Approach 1:
The seal between male and female bodies is established before the safety valve opens during the coupling process. The sealing surfaces engage and create a tight seal in the intermediate volume prior to any pressure equalization occurring through the safety valve. This ensures that the seal is already in place and protecting against leakage before pressure differential acts on the system.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing mechanism is designed to engage and create a protective barrier before pressure equalization occurs. By establishing the seal beforehand, the system cushions against potential leakage paths that would exist if pressure equalization occurred first. The seal acts as a protective measure in advance of the pressure release event.
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 design minimizes leaks and coupling force, ensuring rapid and secure connection of high-pressure fluids while maintaining tightness and preventing fluid leakage, even at pressures up to 20 bar.
Implementation Method 1
a main spring, which recalls the main valve towards its closed position
Implementation Method 2
a secondary spring, which is supported on the safety valve and on the main valve and reminiscent of the soup SECURITY APPT TO ITS CLOSING POSITION AVERAFT AGAINST THE MAIN VALVE
Implementation Method 3
One of the male fitting element and the female fitting element comprises at least one seal that cooperates with the body of the female fitting element and with the body of the male connector element in configuration coupled
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 4
AI summary
The invention relates to a fluidic fitting, comprising connecting elements (1, 101), respectively comprising: a body (5, 105), a main valve (20, 120), movable for opening and closing a main passage (30, 130) through the body, a safety valve (50, 150), movable for opening and closing a secondary passage (40, 140) through the main valve, and a pusher (70, 170) for moving the safety valve. To reduce leakage and reduce coupling force, the fluidic fitting is configured so that, during coupling of the connecting elements: a sealing gasket cooperates with the bodies before the safety valves of the two connecting elements are moved to their open position, and at least one of the pushers pushes its main valve back to its open position once the associated safety valve is in the open position.