Fluid Coupling Cam Mechanism Decoupling Jamming
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing valve assemblies for fluid passageways face challenges in scaling down due to deformation caused by pressure forces, leading to jamming issues during decoupling, especially when dealing with high-pressure fluids, as the chamfered cages used to secure and open the coupling members are prone to bending and deformation.
Innovation Solution
A cam and follower arrangement is employed to guide the movement of securing means, allowing orthogonal engagement with the parts, thereby avoiding bending moments and reducing the risk of jamming, with pivotally connected securing means and a biasing mechanism to control the movement and ensure proper alignment and sealing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If chamfered cages are used to secure and open coupling members, then coupling members can be secured together against separation forces, but the cages are prone to bending and deformation under pressure forces
Solution Approach 1:
A cam mechanism is introduced as an intermediary between the closing member and the securing means. The cam converts the linear movement of the closing member into controlled movement of the securing means, eliminating direct engagement between the securing means and the parts that would cause bending moments. This mediator allows the securing means to engage orthogonally without experiencing deformation-prone bending forces.
Solution Approach 2:
The engagement direction of the securing means is changed from diagonal (through chamfered surfaces) to orthogonal (perpendicular to the coupling axis). By changing the dimension of engagement from oblique to perpendicular, the securing means experiences only tensile or compressive forces along its axis, not bending moments, thereby preventing deformation while maintaining securing capability.
2Reliability
If cages engage arrowhead configuration at an angle to both coupling axis and perpendicular axis, then coupling members are secured against separation forces and cages can open during uncoupling, but strain on the cage increases leading to deformation
Solution Approach 1:
The cam mechanism serves as an intermediary that decouples the security function from the opening function. The securing means engages the parts orthogonally under cam control, experiencing minimal strain. The cam itself absorbs the strain during the opening process, allowing the securing means to maintain its strength while still providing reliable coupling security.
Solution Approach 2:
The functions of securing and opening are segmented into separate mechanisms: the securing means handles securing with orthogonal engagement, while the cam mechanism handles the controlled opening process. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function, with the securing means experiencing minimal strain and the cam absorbing the necessary forces for reliable operation.
3Ease of operation
If securing means engage parts at chamfer to initiate opening during decoupling, then cages can open along axis perpendicular to coupling axis, but bending moments cause deformation and jamming
Solution Approach 1:
The cam mechanism is introduced as an intermediary to control the opening process. Instead of direct engagement at chamfered surfaces causing bending moments, the cam translates the decoupling movement into controlled orthogonal disengagement of the securing means. This mediator enables easy decoupling operation while preventing the bending moments that would cause deformation and jamming.
Data Source
AI summary
A valve assembly including a probe having a first fluid exit; a socket for receiving the probe and having a second fluid exit. The probe and socket are moveable along a coupling axis to open and close the valve assembly. The valve assembly includes a closing member arranged relative to one of the fluid exits and so as to move between an open position and a closed position, wherein in the open position, the closing member does not obstruct said fluid exit and in the closed position, the closing member seals said exit, and a securing means is arranged to secure and release the closing member relative to the probe or socket of the other exit. The movement of the securing means is controlled by a cam and follower arrangement.