Fluid-Transfer Coupling Device with Pneumatic Plug Advancement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Coupling devices with large diameters face difficulties in connection and stability during fluid transfer, particularly at high flow rates, leading to potential damage and improper connections.
Innovation Solution
A fluid-transfer coupling device featuring a cylindrical slider with a valve sleeve and piston mechanism, along with plug supporting means and an improper connection preventing mechanism, allows for stable connection and prevention of oscillation, even with large diameters, using pneumatic pressure and a ring-shaped plug support.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If the coupling device has a relatively-large diameter, then the fluid transfer capacity is improved, but it becomes difficult for an operator to push the plug into the socket and the plug becomes unstable during fluid supply
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs pneumatic pressure to automatically advance the plug into the socket. A pneumatic cylinder generates pushing force through compressed air, eliminating the need for manual pushing and solving the connection difficulty while maintaining large diameter for high fluid transfer capacity
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the fluid pressure itself to drive the plug advancement. The pneumatic mechanism is activated by the fluid flow, creating a self-service system where the fluid supply process automatically completes the connection without external intervention
2Quantity of substance
If the coupling device has a relatively-large diameter, then the fluid transfer capacity is improved, but the plug oscillates and becomes unstable during fluid supply
Solution Approach 1:
The plug structure is segmented into multiple components including a plug body, a stabilizing ring, and connection elements. This segmentation allows the stabilizing ring to be positioned separately to provide support without interfering with the fluid flow path, maintaining both large diameter and stability
Solution Approach 2:
A stabilizing ring is introduced as an intermediary element between the plug and the socket. This ring provides mechanical support and positioning, preventing plug oscillation while allowing the main plug body to maintain its large diameter for high fluid transfer capacity
3Quantity of substance
If the coupling device has a relatively-large diameter, then the fluid transfer capacity is improved, but the joint portion between plug and socket may become damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The pneumatic mechanism advances the plug gradually and controlledly into the socket before full fluid pressure is applied. This preliminary positioning action ensures proper alignment and reduces impact forces that could damage the joint portion
Solution Approach 2:
The stabilizing ring and graduated pneumatic advancement provide cushioning effects that absorb and distribute forces during connection. This prevents concentrated stresses that could damage the joint portion while maintaining the large diameter structure
4Quantity of substance
If the coupling device has a relatively-large diameter, then the fluid transfer capacity is improved, but improper connection may occur when supplying multiple chemical liquids
Solution Approach 1:
The plug and socket are designed with asymmetric features including specific keyway positions, asymmetric sealing surfaces, and non-uniform positioning elements. These asymmetric features ensure that only compatible plugs can connect to specific sockets, preventing improper connections while maintaining large diameter for high fluid transfer capacity
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
Enables stable fluid supply without damaging the joint portion and prevents improper connections, ensuring reliable transfer of various chemical liquids.
Implementation Method 1
the piston being constructed so that entry and exit of pneumatic pressure on both sides of the piston allows the slider to be moved in the cylindrical housing
Implementation Method 2
a valve sleeve accommodating a valve which is adapted so as to open by pressure
Data Source
AI summary
A fluid-transfer coupling device includes a cylindrical housing (1), a cylindrical slider (25), which contains a valve sleeve (15) accommodating a valve (16) to be opened by pressure and which can slide in the cylindrical housing and plug supporting means (60), which supports a plug (70) on condition of being drawn up to an advanced end in the valve sleeve by the movement of the slider. With this constitution, even when using a coupling device having a relatively-large diameter, it is possible to supply fluid stably. Further the plug supporting means is arranged in front of the forward end of the slider. Additionally, the plug supporting means is provided with an improper connection preventing mechanism (68, 69a to 69d, 77) for preventing other plugs, except for a specified plug from being connected.