Quick-Connect Nipple Relief Valve for Residual Pressure Venting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing quick connect couplings face challenges in connecting a nipple and a coupling by hand force alone, especially when there is residual pressurized fluid causing internal pressure issues.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a nipple with a balanced relief valve system, featuring a first and second sleeve with seals arranged on the same radial distance from the central axis, allowing for easy opening of the relief valve with minimal hand force, even with high residual pressure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a nipple with residual pressurized fluid is connected to a coupling, then the internal pressure prevents the valve from opening, but hand force alone should be sufficient to connect them
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the counterweight principle by positioning seals at different radial distances from the central axis. The first seal is at a first radial distance and the second seal is at a second radial distance, creating a balanced relief valve mechanism where pressure forces on either side of the sleeve counterbalance each other, allowing the valve to open with minimal hand force despite residual internal pressure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates equipotential conditions by arranging the seals at specific radial distances that equalize the pressure distribution around the movable sleeve. This balancing arrangement ensures that the pressure acting on the sleeve is distributed evenly, eliminating the need for excessive force to overcome pressure differential during connection.
2Ease of operation
If the relief valve is designed to open easily with hand force, then connection is simple, but the valve must still seal reliably under high pressure
Solution Approach 1:
The balanced relief valve design uses counterbalancing pressure forces through strategically positioned seals at different radial distances. This allows the valve to maintain reliable sealing under high pressure while requiring minimal force to open, as the pressure forces naturally counterbalance during the opening operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a dynamic sealing mechanism where the movable sleeve transitions between sealed and open positions. The seals are positioned to maintain reliable sealing when the valve is closed under pressure, while allowing easy opening when hand force is applied, adapting the sealing behavior dynamically based on operational state.
3Ease of operation
If multiple seals are positioned at different radial distances to balance pressure, then valve operation is facilitated, but the structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple sealing functions into a single movable sleeve structure that carries both the first seal and the second seal at different radial distances. This integration reduces the number of separate components while achieving the pressure balancing effect, simplifying the overall device structure despite the sophisticated sealing arrangement.
Solution Approach 2:
The movable sleeve serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides the first seal at one radial distance, the second seal at another radial distance, and acts as the moving element that opens and closes the relief valve. This multi-functionality reduces component count and simplifies the device structure while maintaining pressure balancing capability.
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
This solution enables connection of the nipple and coupling using hand force alone, without the need for additional tools, while ensuring safe venting and reliable operation across varying pressure conditions.
Implementation Method 1
arranged, substantially, on the same radial distance (410) from a central axis (20) of the fluid passage (200)... The first seal (232) and the third seal (222) are arranged, substantially, on the same radial distance (410) from a central axis (20) of the fluid passage (200)
Data Source
AI summary
A nipple that includes: a fluid passage; a housing; a valve for the fluid passage; and a relief valve for the valve. The relief valve may include: a first sleeve axially movable for sealing against a first seal of the housing; a second sleeve for sealing against a second seal of the housing; and a third seal for sealing between the first sleeve and the second sleeve. Relative axial movement between the first sleeve and the second sleeve opens or closes, respectively by the direction of the axial movement. The relief valve, the first seal, and the third seal are arranged at a set radial distance from a central axis of the fluid passage.