Low-Resistance Line Connector With Segmented Valve Openings

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing pipe connectors with valves exhibit high flow resistance due to their design, which is not addressed by existing technologies, and existing connectors with valves connectors are not designed to reduce this resistance effectively.

Innovation Solution

The pipe connector design includes a valve seat with non-concentrically arranged flow openings, such as star or flower-shaped, and an axially sliding valve guide integrated into the valve seat, eliminating the need for a separate valve holder, thereby reducing flow resistance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of substance

If a valve is arranged in the inner channel of a pipe connector, then fluid loss during disconnection is avoided, but flow resistance increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefluid lossVSAvoidflow rate
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of substanceVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The flow opening is segmented into multiple separate openings instead of a single large opening. This segmentation increases the total circumference of the flow path while maintaining adequate flow area, thereby reducing flow resistance while still allowing the valve to effectively control fluid loss during disconnection

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The flow opening deviates from a conventional circular shape to an asymmetric shape (such as star-shaped or flower-shaped). This asymmetric geometry increases the circumference of the flow path, which reduces flow resistance and improves fluid flow characteristics while the valve body can still seal against the valve seat

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

2Reliability

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

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevalve structure stabilityVSAvoidnumber of components
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The valve guide is integrated directly into the valve seat, merging two previously separate components (valve guide and valve seat) into a single integrated structure. This eliminates the need for a separate valve holder, reduces the number of components, and removes additional flow resistance that would be created by extra structural elements

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The valve seat is designed to serve multiple functions: it provides the sealing surface for the valve body, guides the valve body movement, and eliminates the need for a separate mounting structure. This multi-functional design simplifies the overall valve assembly while maintaining structural stability and reliability

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

Data Source

PatentEP4397898B1Low flow resistance line connector and use of such a connector
Publication Date: 2025.12.10 TI AUTOMOTIVE FULDABRUCK
  • EP4397898B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4397898B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4397898B1 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.