Three-Part Fluid Coupling Valve for Leak-Free Analyzer Connection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid couplings for coupling liquid containers to automated analyzer systems are difficult to operate, leading to potential splashes, contamination, and air entry into the liquid system, which prolongs the priming process.
Innovation Solution
A fluid coupling system with a stationary and movable part, each equipped with a three-part valve comprising elastic arms, a rod, and annular members for sealing, along with a sensor for detecting fluid presence, to ensure easy alignment and prevent leakage, and an integrated filter to prevent particle entry.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If connectors are aligned and locked thoroughly to prevent leakage, then sealing reliability is improved, but operation complexity and time are increased
Solution Approach 1:
The valve system automatically seals when the movable part is inserted into the stationary part. The sealing surfaces and sealing lips engage through the insertion motion itself, without requiring separate alignment or locking actions by the operator. The elastic arms provide automatic sealing contact.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical alignment and locking mechanisms with a simpler insertion-based sealing system. The three-part valve structure with elastic arms and sealing surfaces creates automatic sealing through the insertion motion, eliminating the need for threaded connections or complex locking mechanisms.
2Measurement precision
If sensors are located near the ascending pipe to detect fluid presence, then detection accuracy is improved, but device complexity is increased due to additional electrical connectors
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor is integrated directly into the stationary part of the fluid coupling, merging the detection function with the existing structural component. This eliminates the need for separate electrical connectors and reduces overall device complexity while maintaining accurate fluid presence detection near the ascending pipe.
3Ease of manufacture
If a long tubing is used to connect sensor to container when sensor is integrated in instrument, then sensor integration is simplified, but air volume in system is increased prolonging priming time
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor is repositioned from the instrument interior to the external stationary part of the coupling, changing the spatial dimension of sensor placement. This allows direct detection at the container interface without requiring long internal tubing, thus reducing air volume and priming time while maintaining integration simplicity.
4Productivity
If ascending pipe is used to provide liquid to system, then liquid delivery is achieved, but air entry into system is possible
Solution Approach 1:
The valve system with sealing surfaces and sealing lips acts as an intermediary between the ascending pipe and the liquid system. It allows liquid delivery through the pipe while preventing air entry by maintaining sealed connections during coupling and operation.
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 system facilitates easy and secure coupling of liquid containers, reduces the risk of air uptake, and simplifies the priming process, enhancing operational efficiency and reducing costs by eliminating the need for inline filters.
Implementation Method 1
a first member composed of two rings that are connected by elastic arms
Implementation Method 2
both parts each have a three-part valve for sealing said stationary and movable part against leakage
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a fluid coupling for automated analyzer systems suitable to provide liquids to the system, wherein the fluid coupling comprises a stationary part and a movable part for a fluid connection, wherein both parts have a three-part valve for sealing said stationary and movable part against leakage, said three-part valve comprising a first member composed of two rings that are connected by elastic arms, a second member composed of a rod having different diameters on both ends and a third annular member, wherein at least two member of both parts comprise at least one sealing surface and one sealing lip that get in contact for preventing leakage.