Fluid Coupling Valve Geometry for Self-Centering Sealing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluidic connections in fluid transfer circuits suffer from imprecise relative positioning of valves, leading to premature wear and potential coupling failures due to axial alignment defects.
Innovation Solution
The design features a male and female connector with axially displaceable valves that include widened end joining surfaces with complementary embedding reliefs, facilitating precise alignment and self-centering during coupling, ensuring consistent sealing and reducing wear.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If simple axial engagement movement is used to join connectors, then ease of operation is improved, but manufacturing precision of valve alignment deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The valve bodies perform self-alignment through their geometric features (convergent portion and divergent portion defining a joining plane) during the coupling operation. The self-centering mechanism allows the valves to automatically position themselves axially aligned when connectors are joined by simple axial movement, eliminating the need for complex external alignment devices or procedures
Solution Approach 2:
The joining plane formed by the convergent and divergent portions of valve bodies acts as an intermediary element between the two connectors. This geometric feature mediates the alignment process by providing a standardized interface that ensures precise axial positioning of valves during coupling, while maintaining simplicity of operation
2Device complexity
If imprecise relative positioning of valves is accepted, then device complexity is reduced, but reliability of fluidic connection deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The valve design incorporates self-centering features where the convergent portion and divergent portion automatically position the valves in precise axial alignment during coupling. This self-service mechanism achieves high reliability of fluidic connection without requiring complex external positioning devices, maintaining low device complexity while ensuring reliable operation
3Ease of manufacture
If valves are designed with simple geometric shapes, then ease of manufacture is improved, but manufacturing precision of valve alignment deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The valve bodies incorporate specific local geometric features (convergent portion and divergent portion defining a joining plane) at the joining end, while the rest of the valve structure can be manufactured using simple shapes. This local quality approach ensures precise alignment precision at the critical joining surface without significantly complicating the overall manufacturing process
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 enhances the reliability of fluidic connections by preventing misalignment and ensuring consistent coupling, thereby minimizing premature wear and ensuring fluid tightness.
Implementation Method 1
valves that are axially displaceable in the passageway against an elastic return member
Data Source
AI summary
A fluidic coupler includes male and female connectors, each including an inner fluid duct and a valve that is elastically displaceable in the duct wherein the valves interact with one another by mutually pushing one another into a fluidically open position in a coupling configuration and wherein the valves are elastically returned to a position in which the duct is sealed closed by closing heads in a configuration in which the two connectors are uncoupled, the body of one of the valves including a section for connecting the closing head to the free joining end with a portion that is convergent in the direction of a neck and a portion that is divergent up to the free joining end to define a widened end joining surface, and the closing head of the other valve is truncated at its free joining end to define a widened end joining surface.