Low-Spill Coupling Assembly With Multi-Seal Fluid Engagement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing coupling assemblies often experience leakage and inefficiency in fluid flow due to inadequate sealing mechanisms, particularly in applications requiring precise control and low spillage, such as biomedical and beverage dispensing.
Innovation Solution
A coupling system comprising a female and male coupling device with multiple seals and a spring mechanism that biases the sleeve and valve member into closed positions, allowing for fluid-tight engagement and disengagement to facilitate fluid flow, including a clip member for quick connection and disconnection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple seals are used to improve sealing performance, then leakage is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing function is divided into multiple segments: a first seal between the main body and sleeve, a second seal between the sleeve and stem head, and a third seal at the opening. Each seal addresses specific leakage points, improving overall sealing performance while distributing the sealing function across manageable segments.
Solution Approach 2:
The seals are arranged in a nested configuration where the first seal, second seal, and third seal are positioned at different levels within the coupling assembly. The sleeve contains the first seal, the stem head contains the second seal, and the opening contains the third seal, creating a multi-layered sealing system.
2Reliability
If a spring mechanism is used to bias the sleeve and valve member into closed positions, then fluid-tight engagement is maintained, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The spring mechanism provides dynamic biasing force that automatically adjusts to maintain fluid-tight engagement between the coupling devices. The first spring biases the sleeve and the second spring biases the valve member into their respective closed positions, ensuring reliable sealing while allowing for operational movement when needed.
3Ease of operation
If a clip member is added for quick connection and disconnection, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The clip member is designed to be self-actuating, allowing users to quickly connect and disconnect the coupling devices without requiring manual force or complex manipulation. The clip member engages with the mating coupling device to secure the connection and can be easily released for disconnection, providing a self-service mechanism that simplifies operation.
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 ensures low-spill and efficient fluid flow by maintaining fluid-tight seals during engagement and allowing fluid passage when required, while enabling easy disconnection without manual force, thus addressing leakage and inefficiency issues in existing technologies.
Implementation Method 1
a spring positioned about the stem that biases the sleeve into a closed position; and 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. The coupling system includes a male coupling device, the male coupling device including a second main body with a second front face, the second front face defining a second opening leading into a second fluid passageway; a valve member and a second spring positioned within the second fluid passageway; and a major seal that seals between the second main body and the valve member. The second main body of the male coupling device is capable of being inserted into the first opening of the first main body of the female coupling device so that the first seal and the third seal of the female coupling device engage the second main body of the male coupling device. The sleeve and the valve member are displaced against the first and second springs such that the second seal and the major seal are disengaged so that fluid flows through the first and second fluid passageways.