Fluid Transfer Interface With Electropermanent Magnet Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid transfer systems, such as quick connect fittings, face challenges in efficiently and reliably connecting and disconnecting fluid transfer interfaces, particularly in space applications, where traditional mechanisms may require high force and complex alignment, and do not effectively utilize magnetism for secure coupling.
Innovation Solution
A fluid transfer interface utilizing a first interface portion with ferromagnetic surfaces and a second interface portion with electropermanent magnets that can be magnetized or demagnetized in unison, allowing for secure coupling and decoupling by controlling the magnetic attraction force.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional quick connect fittings are used for fluid transfer, then connection speed is improved, but connection force requirement increases and alignment complexity worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical quick connect fittings with a magnetic coupling system. Electropermanent magnets and ferromagnetic surfaces create magnetic attraction forces that eliminate the need for mechanical interlocking components, reducing connection force requirements while maintaining quick connection capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state of the magnetic coupling by using electropermanent magnets that can be magnetized or demagnetized on demand. This allows dynamic control of the magnetic field strength, enabling easy connection and disconnection while reducing the force required compared to fixed mechanical systems
2Productivity
If traditional quick connect fittings are used for fluid transfer, then connection speed is improved, but alignment complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical alignment features with magnetic field guidance. The magnetic attraction naturally guides the mating components into proper alignment, eliminating the need for precision mechanical alignment features while maintaining quick connection speed
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses the dynamic magnetic field property to provide self-alignment during the connection process. The magnetic attraction force acts at a distance, allowing components to find their proper alignment position automatically without requiring precise initial positioning or complex alignment mechanisms
3Force
If magnetic coupling is used for fluid transfer interface, then connection force requirement is reduced, but magnetic field control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex continuous magnetic field control systems with electropermanent magnets that have two stable states (magnetized and demagnetized). This binary state control simplifies the magnetic field control mechanism while maintaining the ability to provide strong connection force when needed
Solution Approach 2:
The electropermanent magnets provide self-latching magnetic coupling without requiring continuous external power or control. Once magnetized, the magnetic field is maintained passively, eliminating the need for complex active control systems while providing strong connection force
4Ease of operation
If electropermanent magnets are used for coupling, then connection and disconnection ease is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical release mechanisms with simple magnetic field control. The electropermanent magnets can be demagnetized through a simple control signal, automatically releasing the coupling without requiring mechanical actuators, springs, or other complex release mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses the reversible magnetic state of electropermanent magnets to simplify operation. By changing the magnetic parameter from magnetized to demagnetized state, the system achieves easy connection and disconnection with minimal user input, replacing complex mechanical operation sequences
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 efficient, low-force connection and disconnection of fluid transfer interfaces, minimizing mechanical complexity and ensuring reliable fluid transfer in space environments.
Implementation Method 1
one or more electropermanent magnets, laterally disposed around the second portion of the fluid connector, configured to be magnetized or demagnetized in unison. The one or more electropermanent magnets are further configured to provide attraction force to the one or more ferromagnetic surfaces when magnetized and couple the first interface portion to the second interface portion
Implementation Method 2
The one or more electropermanent magnets are further configured to provide no attraction force to the one or more ferromagnetic surfaces when demagnetized and allow the first interface portion to be decoupled from the second interface portion
Data Source
AI summary
A fluid transfer interface is provided. The fluid transfer interface includes one or more of first and second interface portions. The first interface portion includes a first portion of a fluid connector and one or more ferromagnetic surfaces. The second interface portion includes an extendable second portion of the fluid connector and one or more electropermanent magnets, laterally disposed around the second portion of the fluid connector, configured to be magnetized or demagnetized in unison. The one or more electropermanent magnets are further configured to provide attraction force to the one or more ferromagnetic surfaces when magnetized and couple the first interface portion to the second interface portion and provide no attraction force to the one or more ferromagnetic surfaces when demagnetized and allow the first interface portion to be decoupled from the second interface portion.