High-Pressure Fluid Conduit Break-Away Safety Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
High-pressure fluid conduits face safety risks due to human errors during operation and potential hose failures, which can lead to accidents, property damage, and costly fluid waste, especially when transferring compressed or non-compressed gases and liquids.
Innovation Solution
A high-pressure fluid conduit with a break-away annular ring that fractures upon a predetermined force, activating a safety feature to switch from a normal to a safety-activated mode, using valve bodies and seats to seal the conduit and prevent fluid flow in case of failure, and incorporating shock-absorbing components to prevent premature fracture.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a flexible hose is used for fluid transfer, then ease of connection and range of motion are improved, but safety risks from hose failure and human error increase
Solution Approach 1:
The conduit is divided into modular sections: flexible hose segments for ease of connection, and rigid housing segments containing safety mechanisms. This segmentation allows the system to combine the operational flexibility of hoses with the safety control of rigid structures.
Solution Approach 2:
Safety housings act as intermediary components between the flexible hose and the fluid containers. These housings contain valve mechanisms that mediate the fluid flow, providing a control layer that prevents uncontrolled discharge even if the hose fails.
2Reliability
If a hose is completely severed, then fluid delivery is interrupted, but uncontrolled fluid discharge and whipping hose ends cause substantial damage
Solution Approach 1:
The valve mechanisms are pre-configured to automatically close and seal the fluid passages when the hose connection is compromised. This preliminary anti-action prevents the harmful whipping effect by eliminating the pressure differential that causes it, before damage can occur.
Solution Approach 2:
The safety housings provide a contained environment with energy-absorbing features that cushion the effects of hose failure. The housing structure absorbs the kinetic energy from whipping hose ends and prevents uncontrolled fluid discharge, protecting surrounding equipment and personnel.
3Extent of automation
If an annular ring with weakened section is used, then automatic fracture and safety activation are achieved, but premature fracture from shock or impact may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The annular ring is designed with a weakened section having specific geometric parameters (reduced cross-section, controlled stress concentration points) that allow it to fracture at a predetermined force threshold. The parameters are carefully selected to ensure the fracture force is higher than normal operational shocks but lower than forces that would indicate actual hose failure.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a static connection (intact annular ring) to a dynamic safety state (fractured ring activating valves). The weakened section is designed to remain intact under dynamic operational loads but fracture when subjected to sustained excessive forces, allowing the system to adapt its safety response based on the nature of the applied load.
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
The solution effectively prevents accidental fluid discharge and leakage by automatically sealing the conduit upon detection of a predetermined force, ensuring safety and reducing the risk of personal injury and fluid loss during high-pressure fluid transfers.
Implementation Method 1
The annular ring has a weakened section extending around the annular ring that fractures when a predetermined force is applied to the annular ring that causes first and second parts of the annular ring, on opposite sides of the weakened section, to separate.
Implementation Method 2
A high-pressure fluid conduit adapted for connection between a high-pressure fluid source and a high-pressure fluid container, constructed in accordance with the present invention, also includes a first valve seat at the second fluid opening in the first housing and a second valve seat at the first fluid opening in the second housing. A high-pressure fluid conduit adapted for connection between a high-pressure fluid source and a high-pressure fluid container, constructed in accordance with the present invention, also includes a first valve body pivotally mounted in the cavity of the first housing and movable between a first position to permit the flow of the high-pressure fluid from the high-pressure fluid source through the first housing and a second position against the first valve seat in the first housing to prevent high-pressure fluid leaving the first housing.
Implementation Method 3
incorporating shock-absorbing components to prevent premature fracture
Data Source
AI summary
A high-pressure fluid conduit that conducts high-pressure fluid from a high-pressure fluid source to a high-pressure fluid container. This high-pressure fluid conduit has a safety feature that is activated when the high-pressure fluid conduit fails due to exposure to a predetermined force. The safety feature is activated by the fracture of an annular ring that is positioned at either end of the high-pressure fluid conduit and is calibrated to fracture when exposed to the predetermined force. Fracture of the annular ring closes valves at each end of the high-pressure fluid conduit, thereby stopping the flow of high-pressure fluid from the high-pressure fluid source as well as the escape of high-pressure fluid from the high-pressure fluid container.