Line Connector Valve Seat Geometry for Lower Flow Resistance

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing pipe connectors with valves exhibit high flow resistance due to their design, which affects fluid flow efficiency.

Innovation Solution

The pipe connector design features a valve with a non-concentrically shaped flow opening and an axially sliding valve guide within a guide receptacle, eliminating the need for a separate valve holder, thereby reducing flow resistance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a valve is arranged in the inner channel of the pipe connector, then fluid flow can be controlled and fluid losses during disconnection are reduced, but flow resistance increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefluid loss preventionVSAvoidflow resistance
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The valve assembly is segmented into distinct functional components: a valve body with sealing element, a valve guide for directional control, and a valve seat with flow openings. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while collectively reducing flow resistance through coordinated design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The flow openings in the valve seat are designed with non-circular geometries (oval, rectangular, or irregular shapes) instead of traditional circular cross-sections. This dimensional change in the flow path geometry increases the effective flow area and reduces turbulence, thereby decreasing flow resistance while maintaining valve sealing capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Reliability

If a separate valve holder is used to mount the valve guide, then the valve guide is properly supported, but device complexity and flow resistance increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevalve guide supportVSAvoidnumber of components
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The valve guide is integrated directly into the valve seat structure, eliminating the need for a separate valve holder. The valve seat serves dual functions: providing flow openings for fluid passage and serving as the mounting structure for the valve guide. This merging of functions reduces the number of components and simplifies the overall valve assembly.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The valve seat is designed as a multi-functional component that simultaneously provides fluid flow pathways through its flow openings and structural support for the valve guide. This universal design allows a single component to fulfill multiple roles, reducing device complexity while maintaining reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP4400756B1Low flow resistance line connector
Publication Date: 2025.12.10 TI AUTOMOTIVE FULDABRUCK
  • EP4400756B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4400756B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4400756B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A fluidic coupling connector 1 with a complementary coupling connector 2 comprises a connector body 3. A valve 10 is arranged in an inner channel 8 of the connector body 3, the valve 10 having a valve guide 11, an axially movable valve body 12, and a valve seat 13. The valve guide 11 defines the direction of movement of the valve body 12, the coupling connector 1 being designed such that the valve body 12 is fluid-tight against the valve seat 13 when the valve 10 is closed. The valve seat 13 is provided to have at least one flow opening 7, the cross-section of which deviates from a circular shape arranged concentrically with respect to the central axis M, and/or the valve guide 11 is axially slidably mounted in a guide receptacle 16 of the valve seat 13.