Fluid Coupling Planar Poppet Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current fluid system coupling devices often result in leaks and spills during fluid transportation due to inadequate sealing, especially at connections between components, which is environmentally undesirable and wasteful, even when proper connections and functioning valves are maintained.
Innovation Solution
The development of a valved coupling device featuring a pair of cooperating members with planar poppet faces devoid of recesses and a biasing mechanism to ensure sealing, along with an actuation mechanism that controls the poppet positions to prevent fluid leakage, even during disconnection and reconnection, utilizing a dry-break mechanism to minimize fluid exposure to the environment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional couplers and adaptors with traditional valve designs are used, then fluid transfer can be performed, but fluid leaks and spills occur at connections during operation and disconnection
Solution Approach 1:
The poppet valve is designed to close automatically before disconnection occurs, sealing the fluid passage in advance. The biasing mechanism ensures the poppet is positioned to seal the open end of the adaptor/coupler body, preventing fluid leakage during the disconnection process. This preliminary sealing action eliminates the need for manual valve operation and ensures reliable sealing at the moment of connection separation.
2Ease of operation
If traditional valve poppets with recessed faces are used, then valve operation is achieved, but fluid becomes trapped in recesses and leaks during disconnection
Solution Approach 1:
The poppet face is designed with a substantially planar surface devoid of recesses, creating a uniform sealing surface. This local quality change eliminates pockets where fluid could become trapped. The planar face ensures that fluid cannot pool in recesses and be released during disconnection, while still maintaining effective sealing contact with the mating surface through the biased position of the poppet.
3Adaptability or versatility
If couplers and adaptors are disconnected to transfer fluid, then fluid transfer between locations is enabled, but fluid exposure to environment increases
Solution Approach 1:
The valve system performs preliminary sealing by closing the poppet before the physical disconnection of the coupler and adaptor. This ensures that fluid is contained within the closed chamber even as the connection separates. The biasing mechanism maintains the poppet in a sealed position, preventing fluid exposure to the environment during the entire disconnection and transfer process.
4Ease of operation
If manual valve operation is required during connection and disconnection, then fluid flow control is achieved, but human error increases leading to leaks
Solution Approach 1:
The valve system is designed to operate automatically through the mechanical interaction of the coupling and decoupling actions. The biasing mechanism provides the force necessary to seal the poppet without requiring manual intervention. The geometry of the coupling interface ensures that connection automatically opens the valve while disconnection automatically closes it, eliminating human error and providing reliable leak prevention.
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 solution effectively minimizes fluid loss and exposure to the environment by ensuring a tight seal during both operation and disconnection, preventing leaks and spills, thus adhering to stringent environmental regulations and optimizing resource management.
Implementation Method 1
The adaptor poppet is biased toward the closed position
Data Source
AI summary
A fluid system coupling includes an adaptor, a coupler, and an actuation mechanism. The adaptor has an adaptor poppet that is movable between an open position and a closed position. The adaptor poppet has a poppet face that is substantially planar and devoid of any recesses. The coupler has a coupler poppet that is movable between an open position and a closed position. The coupler poppet has a poppet face that is substantially planar and avoid of any recesses. The actuation mechanism selectively moves the poppets from the closed positions to the open positions.