Fluid Coupling Element With Sequenced Safety and Main Valve Opening
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing coupling elements for pressurized fluids face issues such as undetermined plunger position during coupling, accidental jamming, and difficulty in re-coupling due to improper valve actuation sequences, leading to potential pressurized fluid leaks and operational challenges.
Innovation Solution
A coupling element design featuring a plunger movable relative to the safety valve, with a second spring in the intermediate chamber to push the plunger back to its forward position, ensuring the main and safety valves are closed initially, and a sequence of valve openings that prioritizes fluid communication and compact construction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the plunger is fixed relative to the safety valve, then the structure is simpler, but the coupling travel becomes longer and the valve actuation sequence cannot be controlled
Solution Approach 1:
The plunger is divided into two independent parts: a first plunger portion movable relative to the body and a second plunger portion movable relative to the safety valve. This segmentation allows each portion to perform its specific function independently, enabling controlled valve actuation sequence while maintaining a compact structure that reduces coupling travel.
Solution Approach 2:
The second plunger portion is nested within or coupled to the first plunger portion, with the rear face of the first plunger portion bearing on the front face of the safety valve. This nested arrangement allows the plungers to work together in a compact configuration, reducing the overall coupling travel while maintaining the ability to control valve actuation sequence.
2Reliability
If the plunger remains in forward position during coupling, then the valves stay closed ensuring safety, but fluid communication is delayed
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling element is designed so that the forward valve opens first to establish fluid communication between the coupling element and the complementary coupling element. This preliminary action creates a pressure differential that automatically drives the plunger to the withdrawn position and opens the main valve, ensuring both safety and timely fluid communication.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses pressure feedback from the fluid communication established by the forward valve to automatically actuate the main valve. The pressure differential generated by forward valve opening serves as feedback that triggers the plunger movement and main valve opening, creating a self-regulating sequence that ensures both safety and efficiency.
3Productivity
If the main valve opens before the safety valve, then fluid communication is faster, but pressurized fluid leaks may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The safety valve is designed to open in advance of the main valve through the sequential plunger actuation mechanism. The first plunger portion moves forward to open the safety valve before the second plunger portion acts to open the main valve, ensuring that the safety valve is already open to prevent leaks when the main valve opens.
Solution Approach 2:
The safety valve acts as a preliminary safety mechanism that opens before the main valve to cushion against potential pressure surges or leaks. This prior opening of the safety valve creates a pressure relief path that prevents harmful effects before they can occur when the main valve opens.
4Reliability
If the plunger is made longer to maintain safety valve tightness, then the valve sealing is improved, but the coupling element length increases
Solution Approach 1:
The plunger is segmented into two portions with distinct functions: the first plunger portion handles the safety valve actuation and sealing, while the second plunger portion handles the main valve actuation. This segmentation allows the first plunger portion to be optimized for safety valve tightness without unnecessarily increasing the overall length, as the second portion extends only as needed for main valve actuation.
Solution Approach 2:
The nested arrangement of the two plunger portions allows them to share space efficiently. The second plunger portion is positioned to work in conjunction with the first, reducing the overall length required while maintaining the sealing effectiveness of the safety valve through the first plunger portion.
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
This design allows for a shorter coupling travel, maintains tightness, ensures fluid communication before pressurized fluid presence, and prevents leaks during uncoupling, enhancing operational reliability and ease of re-coupling.
Implementation Method 1
a first spring arranged bearing on the forward valve and on the plunger and pushing the forward valve back toward the closed position
Implementation Method 2
a second spring arranged in the intermediate chamber bearing on the body and on a bearing part of the plunger and pushing the plunger back toward the forward position
Data Source
AI summary
A fluid coupling element includes a body having a rear chamber and an intermediate chamber, a main valve movable to close a main passage between the rear and intermediate chambers, a forward valve movable to close a front orifice of the inner pipe under the action of a first spring, and a safety valve movable to close a secondary passage through the main valve between the rear and intermediate chambers. During coupling with a complementary coupling element, the forward valve moves a plunger that opens the safety valve before the main valve is opened. The coupling element includes a second spring, pushing the plunger back toward a forward position in which the main valve and the safety valve are closed, and the plunger abuts against the main valve or against the safety valve.