Quick Coupling Device Inverted Sealing Zone Design

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing connection devices for fluid transport circuits suffer from fluid retention zones that can lead to pollution, especially with perishable liquids, due to recoil of the pipe end creating spaces where fluid can stagnate and degrade, and previous solutions either compromise sealing integrity or lack effective cleaning mechanisms.

Innovation Solution

A connection device design that positions the seal to prevent fluid from reaching the guide zone, utilizing a sleeve with a polygonal internal surface and a deformable clip to guide and secure the pipe end, minimizing deformation and leakage risks, and incorporating a sealing member that occupies the groove to reduce fluid retention zones, allowing for effective cleaning.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the sealing member is positioned to compensate for pipe end recoil, then sealing reliability is improved, but the guide zone becomes inaccessible to cleaning liquids

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesealing reliabilityVSAvoidcleanability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent inverts the conventional sealing approach by positioning the sealing member upstream of the pipe end recoil zone rather than downstream. This inversion allows the seal to prevent fluid from reaching the guide zone while maintaining access for cleaning liquids through the inverted configuration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extracts the sealing function from the pipe end recoil compensation mechanism by positioning the sealing member separately in the upstream position, allowing the guide zone to be isolated from process fluid while remaining accessible for cleaning operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Strength

If a clamp-type attachment member is used, then pipe end securing is improved, but the retention zone volume increases leading to greater pollution risk

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepipe end securingVSAvoidpollution risk
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent converts the harmful effect of the retention zone by positioning the sealing member to redirect fluid flow away from the guide zone, transforming the potential pollution source into a controlled flow path that prevents stagnation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

3Manufacturing precision

If the pipe end guide surface is extended, then pipe end alignment is improved, but the fluid retention zone extends further increasing pollution risk

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepipe end alignmentVSAvoidfluid retention
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the guide zone from the fluid retention path by positioning the sealing member upstream, allowing the guide surface to be extended for better alignment without creating additional retention zones, as the seal prevents fluid from reaching extended guide areas.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

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 fluid retention in the guide zone, ensuring reliable sealing and facilitating cleaning, thereby reducing the risk of pollution and maintaining fluid circulation, even under pressure, while ensuring the connection remains secure and leak-proof.

Implementation Method 1

the elasticity of the sealing member compensates for the recoil of the pipe end preventing the formation of a retention zone

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

a deformable clip to guide and secure the pipe end, minimizing deformation and leakage risks

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Deformation

Data Source

PatentEP2309164B1Quick coupling device with inverted guiding and sealing zones
Publication Date: 2016.08.03 PARKER HANNIFIN MANUFACTURING FRANCE SAS
  • EP2309164B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP2309164B1 patent drawingFigure 4~6

AI summary

Connection device comprising a tubular body (1) delimiting a channel (2) having a receiving section (3) for a pipe end (100), the receiving section being provided with a hooking element (4) for the pipe end in the receiving section, a sealing element (5) for enclosing an external surface of the pipe end, guiding means (6) for the pipe end in the receiving section and a stop (7) for the insertion of the pipe end into the receiving section, characterized in that the sealing element is disposed in a groove (8) formed between the stop and the guiding means and the hooking element is disposed between the guiding means and an inlet of the receiving section.