Fluid Line Coupling Venting for Safe Pressure Release
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Solution Overview
Problem
Flexible fluid lines with couplings designed for making and breaking can pose a hazard to operators due to the risk of fluid whipping when the coupling is opened under pressure, and existing couplings are often expensive, bulky, and require specialized tools, while also reducing flow diameter and not being safe by design.
Innovation Solution
A coupling assembly comprising a sleeve and an insert with a safety mechanism to prevent the parts from flying apart when opened under pressure, featuring a threaded connection and a seal for fluid-tightness, and including vent openings to relieve pressure without complete disconnection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional couplings (chain clamps, threaded couplings, flanged couplings) are used, then the connection is secure, but the coupling becomes expensive, bulky, and requires dedicated tools
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling is divided into two separate parts: a male coupling element and a female coupling element. This segmentation allows each part to be simpler in structure while maintaining secure connection when assembled together, eliminating the need for complex single-piece couplings and dedicated tools.
Solution Approach 2:
The male coupling element is inserted into the female coupling element, creating a nested structure. This nesting approach provides a secure connection without requiring bulky external components, and the design allows for simple hand-operated assembly without dedicated tools.
2Reliability
If conventional couplings are used, then the connection is secure, but the flow diameter is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
By separating the coupling into male and female elements that connect at the ends of the fluid line, the internal flow path remains unobstructed. The coupling mechanism is positioned externally, allowing the full internal diameter of the fluid line to remain open for fluid flow.
3Ease of operation
If the coupling is opened under pressure, then the fluid can be released, but the escaping fluid causes the fluid line to whip and injure the operator
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling design incorporates features that prevent the fluid line from whipping before the operator is exposed to the hazard. The male and female coupling elements are designed to maintain control of the fluid line during the opening process, with the female element acting as a restraint that prevents dangerous movement until pressure is safely released.
Solution Approach 2:
The female coupling element serves as an intermediary between the pressurized fluid and the operator. It provides a controlled interface that manages the pressure release process, preventing the fluid line from becoming a projectile while still allowing fluid to be discharged safely.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If lanyards are used to restrain fluid lines, then operator safety is improved, but the assembly process becomes more complex and safety is not guaranteed by design
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling design provides its own safety function through the inherent mechanical relationship between the male and female coupling elements. The female element naturally restrains the male element and the attached fluid line during the opening process, eliminating the need for external lanyards or additional safety devices that would complicate the assembly process.
Data Source
AI summary
A coupling assembly for connecting fluid lines, may include a first part comprising a sleeve, a second part including an insert, and at least one seal. The sleeve may include an opening to accommodate the insert, the at least one seal may be arranged between the first part and the second part to provide a fluid-tight connection between the first part and the second part when the insert is arranged in an end position within the sleeve. The sleeve and/or the insert may include at least one vent opening to provide a fluid path from an inner volume of the coupling assembly to a surrounding when the insert is arranged within the sleeve in a position between the opening of the sleeve and the end position.