Low-Spill Coupling Assembly With Multi-Seal Fluid Shutoff
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing coupling assemblies often suffer from 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 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, ensuring a fluid-tight configuration and efficient fluid passage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a coupling assembly uses a simple opening design for fluid flow, then ease of operation is improved, but leakage occurs due to inadequate sealing mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling assembly is divided into multiple sealing zones with different seal types: a first seal (O-ring) seals the fluid passage wall, a second seal (V-ring) seals the rod end, and a third seal seals the opening. Each seal addresses specific leakage points, allowing simple operation while maintaining high sealing reliability through distributed sealing functions.
2Reliability
If a coupling assembly uses multiple seals to prevent leakage, then sealing reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple seals with different functions (O-ring for fluid passage sealing, V-ring for rod end sealing, and a third seal for opening sealing) are merged into a single coupling assembly structure. This integration achieves comprehensive sealing reliability without proportionally increasing complexity, as all seals work together within the unified coupling design.
3Loss of substance
If a coupling assembly uses a spring-biased sleeve mechanism to control seal engagement, then spillage is minimized, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The spring-biased sleeve mechanism automatically engages and disengages seals based on coupling insertion. The spring force drives the sleeve to engage the first seal during insertion, minimizing spillage. The system self-regulates seal engagement without requiring external control, reducing manufacturing precision requirements while maintaining low spillage.
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 effectively minimizes spillage and ensures reliable fluid flow by engaging and disengaging seals as needed, providing a secure and efficient fluid path between the coupling devices.
Implementation Method 1
a spring positioned about the stem that biases the sleeve into a closed position
Implementation Method 2
a first seal that seals between the main body and the sleeve; a second seal that seals between the sleeve and the stem head
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.