Fluid Transfer Coupling With Moving Sleeve and Rigid Conduits
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current fluid transfer systems for space vehicles and fixed structures are cumbersome, prone to leakage, and have limited durability due to the use of flexible hoses, which deteriorate in abrasive environments and can cause mechanical interference during movement.
Innovation Solution
A connection system comprising an active unit with a drive mechanism and a passive unit, where the active sleeve moves to establish fluid communication without axial movement of connectors, allowing for the use of rigid or semi-rigid supply conduits made from materials like stainless steel, reducing part count and minimizing mechanical interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If flexible hoses are used for fluid transfer, then the system can accommodate movement and positioning variations, but the hoses deteriorate in abrasive environments and cause mechanical interference during movement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the flexible hose from the system entirely, extracting the problematic component that caused deterioration and mechanical interference. Instead, rigid or semi-rigid conduits are used with a coupling mechanism that accommodates movement without requiring flexible hoses, thus resolving the contradiction between adaptability and reliability.
2Reliability
If rigid conduits are used for fluid transfer, then durability and resistance to deterioration are improved, but the system becomes more complex and heavier
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into separate components: rigid conduits for fluid transfer and a independent coupling mechanism for accommodation of movement. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function, maintaining durability while managing complexity through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling mechanism introduces dynamic elements that allow the rigid conduit system to adapt to movement and positioning variations. This dynamic coupling enables the use of rigid, durable conduits while maintaining the ability to accommodate operational movements without increasing overall system complexity.
3Device complexity
If flexible hoses are used, then the system can be simpler in design, but mechanical interference occurs during vehicle movement
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible hose is extracted from the system, removing the source of mechanical interference during vehicle movement. The replacement rigid conduit system with a specialized coupling mechanism eliminates the harmful effects while maintaining design simplicity through direct, interference-free fluid transfer paths.
Data Source
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AI summary
Connection system and connecting method for transferring fluids comprising an active unit (110) comprising an active connection assembly (140) connected to a supply conduit (114) and a passive unit (150) comprising a passive connection assembly (155) connected to another supply conduit (154). The active connection assembly (140) comprises a connector (141) coupled to the supply conduit (114), an active sleeve (145) externally coupled to said connector (141), and sealing means (146) fixed inside the active sleeve (145) which, in a fluid disconnection position, surround the connector (141), preventing the outflow of fluid, and the passive connection assembly (160) comprises a connector (161) connected to the supply conduit (154), the active unit (110) including drive means (115) for causing the movement of the active sleeve (145) between the fluid disconnection position and a fluid connection position without axially moving the connectors (141, 161).