Fluid Line Draining Coupling for Self-Closing Galley Connections
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Solution Overview
Problem
Galley units in transportation, such as aircraft, face challenges in efficiently draining fluid lines due to self-closing couplings that prevent rinsing fluid from flowing through, leading to accumulation and subsequent use in appliances, which is undesirable and can result in beverage disposal or immediate water withdrawal.
Innovation Solution
A draining device with a mechanically non-locking coupling and holding device that allows fluid flow through closed fluid lines, enabling efficient drainage of difficult-to-access lines without mechanical fixation, using a double self-closing connection and control unit to manage fluid flow and valve operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a self-closing coupling is used on the line section outlet, then water escape is prevented when the consumer is decoupled, but rinsing fluid cannot flow through the line section during draining
Solution Approach 1:
A draining device is introduced as an intermediary component that temporarily couples to the self-closing coupling during the draining process. This intermediary device opens the self-closing coupling mechanism, allowing rinsing fluid to flow through the line section, and then removes itself afterward, restoring the sealed state. This resolves the contradiction by enabling draining functionality without permanently compromising the water containment feature.
2Ease of operation
If the water consumer is decoupled from the line section, then the line section can be accessed for draining, but water may escape from the line section
Solution Approach 1:
The draining device utilizes the existing self-closing coupling mechanism of the line section to achieve both accessibility and water containment. By engaging with the self-closing coupling, the draining device automatically opens it to allow access and fluid flow, then removes itself to restore the sealed state. The system serves itself by using its own coupling mechanism for both protection and access purposes.
3Reliability
If a mechanically locking coupling is used to secure the draining device, then the draining device can be held stationary, but the draining device cannot be easily removed
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling mechanism transitions from a static locked state to a dynamic state during draining. The draining device engages the self-closing coupling in a way that allows it to open and close dynamically, and the device itself can be easily inserted and removed. The holding force is provided by fluid pressure and the self-closing mechanism rather than mechanical locking, enabling easy removal while maintaining position stability during operation.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
A draining device (100) for draining a fluid line (3, 12) is provided. The draining device comprises a mechanically non-locking coupling (102) and a holding device (110). The mechanically non-locking coupling (102) is configured to establish a fluid conductive connection with the fluid line (3, 12). The holding device (110) is configured to stationary fix the mechanically non-locking coupling (102) relatively to the fluid line. The draining device allows establishing a fluid conductive connection between the fluid line (3, 12) and the mechanically non-locking coupling (102) without requiring a mechanical fixation directly at the mechanically non-locking coupling (102).