Fluid Coupling Seal Layout for Easy Replacement and Leak Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing coupling devices for fluid-carrying components face issues with wear of sealing elements due to frequent movements during connection and disconnection, leading to leaks and increased maintenance efforts, especially when replacing sealing elements, which are often difficult to access and time-consuming.

Innovation Solution

A coupling device with a sealing piston and a disc-shaped sealing element positioned on its head side, allowing easy access and replacement, combined with a spring-loaded mechanism that automatically switches between open and closed states to prevent fluid leakage, featuring a rotationally symmetrical design and simplified assembly through positive-locking connections.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If radially arranged sealing elements are used in the coupling device, then sealing function is achieved, but maintenance effort and time increase due to difficult accessibility

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesealing functionVSAvoidmaintenance effort
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The sealing element is inverted from a radially arranged ring seal to an axially arranged disc-shaped seal on the head side of the sealing piston. This inversion makes the sealing element accessible from the end of the coupling device, allowing easy replacement without disassembly while maintaining effective sealing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

2Adaptability or versatility

If frequent connection and disconnection movements are made, then system flexibility is improved, but wear of sealing elements increases leading to leaks

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem flexibilityVSAvoidsealing durability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The spring-loaded sealing piston automatically returns to its sealing position after connection/disconnection operations, self-regulating the sealing contact. This reduces unnecessary manual adjustments and minimizes wear on the sealing element while maintaining system flexibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If the coupling device is designed for automatic fluid flow interruption, then operational safety is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperational safetyVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The spring-loaded sealing piston automatically returns to the sealing position when the coupling is disconnected, self-regulating the fluid flow interruption without external control systems. This achieves automatic safety functionality while keeping the device structure simple.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

4Ease of repair

If the sealing element is positioned for easy replacement, then maintenance time is reduced, but sealing effectiveness may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemaintenance timeVSAvoidsealing effectiveness
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of repairVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The sealing element is positioned axially on the head side of the sealing piston rather than radially, making it accessible from the end of the device for easy replacement. The disc-shaped design maintains effective sealing contact with the sealing surface while enabling simple maintenance operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

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

Minimizes wear on sealing elements, reduces maintenance, and ensures reliable fluid flow interruption with reduced assembly effort, enhancing operational reliability and cost-effectiveness.

Implementation Method 1

a compression spring (5), in particular a coil spring, which is designed to exert a spring force on the sealing piston (3)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSpring force: Spring

Implementation Method 2

the first sealing element (4) is in contact with a sealing section (7) of a first coupling receptacle (1)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSealing contact: Friction

Data Source

PatentEP4040029B1Coupling device for connecting fluid-carrying components
Publication Date: 2026.02.18 NICKEL KLAUS
  • EP4040029B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4040029B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP4040029B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

The invention relates to a coupling device (40) for connecting two fluid-carrying components (100, 200), in particular pipes or hoses or the like, for producing a fluid flow (300), comprising at least a first coupling receptacle (1), a second coupling receptacle (2), and a sealing piston (3), wherein the coupling device (40) can be connected to the first fluid-carrying component (100) via the first coupling receptacle (1) and to the second fluid-carrying component (200) via the second coupling receptacle (2), and wherein the coupling device (40) has at least two coupling states (50, 51), namely an open state (50) in which the sealing piston (3) is in its open position (60) and the fluid flow (300) can flow, and a closed state (51) in which the sealing piston is in its closed position (61) and the fluid flow is interrupted.According to the invention, a sealing element (4), preferably disc-shaped or ring-shaped, is arranged on the head side of the sealing piston (3), particularly for sealing in the sealing position (61). The invention also includes a coupling system (400) with a coupling device (40).