Low-Spill Coupling Assembly With Spring-Biased Multi-Seal Flow Path
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing coupling assemblies face challenges in providing a reliable and low-spill fluid flow mechanism, particularly in applications requiring precise sealing and easy connection/disconnection, such as biomedical and beverage dispensing systems.
Innovation Solution
The coupling system comprises a female coupling device with a spring-biased sleeve and multiple seals, and a male coupling device with a valve member and spring, allowing for fluid flow by disengaging seals when the male device is inserted, and a clip member for quick connection/disconnection, ensuring fluid-tight configurations and efficient fluid passage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a spring-biased sleeve with multiple seals is used in the female coupling device, then sealing reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing function is divided into multiple independent seals (first seal between main body and sleeve, second seal between sleeve and stem head, third seal at opening) rather than using a single complex sealing mechanism. Each seal handles a specific sealing interface, improving overall reliability while keeping individual seal structures simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The sleeve is positioned within the main body, and the stem head is positioned within the sleeve, creating a nested structure. This nested arrangement allows multiple seals to be integrated into concentric layers, improving sealing reliability through multiple barriers while compacting the overall device structure.
2Ease of operation
If a valve member with spring is used in the male coupling device, then fluid flow control is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The valve member is spring-biased to automatically return to the closed position after fluid flow is established. The spring provides self-acting force that eliminates the need for additional actuators or control mechanisms, simplifying the device while maintaining effective fluid flow control.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve member is designed to be movable within the fluid passageway, transitioning between open and closed positions. This dynamic element allows the system to adapt fluid flow automatically based on coupling status, improving ease of operation without requiring complex external control systems.
3Productivity
If seals are disengaged during coupling, then fluid flow is enabled, but spillage risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The third seal is positioned at the opening of the main body to seal against the mating male coupling device before full engagement. This preliminary sealing action prevents spillage during the coupling process, while the spring-biased valve member ensures smooth fluid flow transition once coupled, balancing spillage prevention with flow efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring bias on the valve member creates a preliminary closed state that prevents fluid leakage during coupling. The spring force acts in advance to maintain sealing, and only after proper coupling is established does the valve open to allow fluid flow, preventing spillage while ensuring efficient flow when needed.
4Ease of operation
If a clip member is added for quick connection/disconnection, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The clip member is extracted as a separate, dedicated component for connection and disconnection functions. This simple mechanical element provides quick coupling and decoupling capabilities without integrating complex mechanisms into the main body, improving ease of operation while adding minimal complexity.
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 system achieves reliable fluid flow with minimal spillage and easy operation, ensuring fluid-tight configurations and efficient fluid passage through precise sealing and disengagement mechanisms, suitable for various applications including biomedical and beverage dispensing.
Implementation Method 1
a spring positioned about the stem that biases the sleeve into a closed position
Implementation Method 2
a valve member and a second spring positioned within the second fluid passageway
Data Source
AI summary
A coupling system includes a female coupling device, the female coupling device including a first main body with a first front face, the first front face defining a first opening leading into a first fluid passageway; a stem having a stem head positioned within a sleeve; a first spring positioned about the stem that biases the sleeve into a closed position; a first seal that seals between the main body and the sleeve; a second seal that seals between the sleeve and the stem head; and a third seal that is positioned at the opening of the main body.