Fluid Coupling Integrating Check Valve for Pulse Damping

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing fluid-carrying line couplings in drive devices, such as those used to supply fuel from a fuel tank to a motor vehicle's drive unit, face challenges in preventing pressure pulses and fluid backflow, which can lead to increased space requirements and safety concerns, especially in the event of accidents.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating a check valve mechanism within the coupling that only activates when the coupling members are connected, utilizing a check valve element and seat to suppress pressure pulses and prevent fluid leakage by ensuring a flow connection is only released when the coupling members are properly connected, thus integrating non-return valve functionality without additional space or cost.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If a pulsation damper or pressure-pulse-damping material is arranged in the line, then pressure pulses are damped, but the installation space required increases considerably

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepressure pulse dampingVSAvoidinstallation space
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the non-return valve functionality with the coupling mechanism itself. The coupling member includes a non-return valve element and a non-return valve seat that are integrated into the coupling structure, eliminating the need for separate pulsation dampers or pressure-pulse-damping materials. This merging of functions achieves pressure pulse damping without increasing installation space.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The coupling member is designed to perform multiple functions: connecting fluid-carrying lines and simultaneously acting as a non-return valve to dampen pressure pulses. The coupling member with integrated non-return valve element and seat provides both connection and pressure pulse protection, making the system more space-efficient by eliminating dedicated pulsation damping components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If additional safety measures such as crash panels are implemented, then fluid leakage prevention is improved, but installation space and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefluid leakage preventionVSAvoidinstallation space
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent integrates the non-return valve functionality directly into the coupling mechanism. The coupling member includes a non-return valve element and seat that are built-in, eliminating the need for separate crash panels or additional safety measures. This integration achieves fluid leakage prevention without increasing installation space or cost.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Volume of stationary object

If a non-return valve is integrated into the coupling, then pressure pulse damping is achieved without additional installation space, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation spaceVSAvoidcoupling structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent integrates the non-return valve element and seat directly into the coupling member structure. By combining the connection function and pressure pulse damping function into a single integrated component, the design avoids adding separate valves or complex assemblies. The non-return valve element is positioned to interact with the coupling geometry itself, simplifying the overall structure while achieving both functions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 solution effectively dampens pressure pulses in a compact design, preventing fluid escape and enhancing safety by ensuring the coupling members are only connected when fluid flow is allowed, thereby reducing the risk of fluid leakage and fire hazards.

Implementation Method 1

a check valve having a check valve element (8) and a check valve seat (9), the check valve element (8) being arranged in the first coupling member (4) and the check valve seat (9) being formed by the second coupling member (5)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCheck valve mechanism: Valve

Data Source

PatentEP2786009B1Coupling for connecting two fluid-conducting lines and drive device
Publication Date: 2016.05.18 VOLKSWAGEN AG
  • EP2786009B1 patent drawingFigure 1~5
  • EP2786009B1 patent drawingFigure 6~8
  • EP2786009B1 patent drawingFigure 9~10

AI summary

The invention relates to a coupling (6) for connecting two fluid-conducting lines (2, 3), wherein a first of the lines (2) is assigned a first coupling element (4) and a second of the lines (3) is assigned a second coupling element (5), which can be connected to the first coupling element (4). According to the invention, a non-return valve (7) and a leakage preventer (27), which opens a flow connection through at least one of the two coupling elements (4, 5) only when the coupling elements (4, 5) are connected, are provided in the coupling (6). The invention further relates to a drive device.