Fluid Transfer Coupling With Moving Sleeve and Fixed Connectors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current fluid transfer systems in space vehicle docking mechanisms are heavy, prone to mechanical failure due to flexible hoses, and require complex movement of multiple parts, limiting the use of durable materials and increasing the risk of mechanical interference.
Innovation Solution
A connection system with an active unit and a passive unit, where the active sleeve moves to establish fluid communication without axially moving connectors, allowing for rigid or semi-rigid supply conduits made of durable materials like stainless steel, reducing part movement and minimizing mechanical interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If flexible hoses are used for fluid transfer, then the system can accommodate movement, but the system becomes heavy and prone to mechanical failure
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the fluid transfer function into two separate units: an active unit with drive mechanisms and a passive unit without drive mechanisms. This segmentation allows the active unit to handle movement and positioning while the passive unit remains stationary, enabling the use of lighter, more reliable rigid piping instead of flexible hoses that must accommodate movement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent inverts the traditional docking approach by having the active unit (with all drive mechanisms) dock with the passive unit (without drive mechanisms). This inversion allows the active unit to control all movement, enabling the passive unit to remain stationary with rigid connections, thereby eliminating the need for heavy flexible hoses.
2Ease of operation
If multiple parts move during connection, then flexibility is achieved, but mechanical interference risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
By separating the system into active and passive units with clearly defined functions, the patent minimizes the number of moving parts. The active unit handles all drive mechanisms while the passive unit remains stationary, reducing mechanical interference risk while maintaining connection flexibility through controlled movement of the active unit only.
3Duration of action of stationary object
If durable materials like stainless steel are used, then service life increases, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The inverted docking configuration allows the use of durable materials like stainless steel in the rigid supply conduits of both active and passive units. By having the active unit handle all movement and positioning, the system can employ robust, long-lasting materials without increasing operational complexity, as the movement control is centralized in the active unit.
Data Source
AI summary
Connection systems and connecting methods for transferring fluids. According to one embodiment, the connection system includes an active unit having an active connection assembly connected to a first supply conduit and a passive unit including a passive connection assembly connected to a second supply conduit. The active connection assembly includes a first connector coupled to the first supply conduit, an active sleeve externally coupled to the first connector, and sealing means fixed inside the active sleeve which, in a fluid disconnection position, surrounds the first connector, preventing the outflow of fluid from the first connector. The passive connection assembly includes a second connector connected to a second supply conduit, the active unit including drive means for causing the movement of the active sleeve between the fluid disconnection position and a fluid connection position without axially moving the first and second connectors.