Non-Spill Pressure Coupler With Trap Chamber Pressure Relief
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing quick connect/disconnect couplings for pressurized fluid lines face issues with excessive leakage during attachment or detachment, trapped pressure leading to catastrophic failure, and high connection forces due to rigid locking mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A non-spill female coupler design featuring a piston with an internal flow passage between a main cavity and a trap chamber, allowing pressure relief and enabling safe connection/disconnection under pressure with minimal fluid spillage, and a locking collar that moves independently of the valve body for reduced connection force.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of substance
If a seal is used to prevent reverse flow from the rear chamber toward the supply line, then fluid leakage is reduced, but trapped pressure in the rear chamber increases excessively leading to catastrophic failure
Solution Approach 1:
A check valve is introduced as an intermediary component between the rear chamber and the supply line. This check valve allows pressure equalization in one direction (from supply line to rear chamber) while preventing reverse flow, thereby eliminating the harmful effect of trapped pressure buildup without compromising the non-spill characteristic.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing function is segmented into two distinct mechanisms: the primary seal that prevents reverse flow, and the check valve that provides pressure relief. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function optimally - the seal maintains the non-spill characteristic while the check valve prevents catastrophic pressure buildup.
2Reliability
If a rigidly mounted locking member fixed to the valve body is used, then locking reliability is improved, but connection force increases excessively requiring the user to overcome a centring spring
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is segmented into two independent parts: a locking collar that moves axially independently of the valve body, and locking elements that engage with the male coupler. This segmentation allows the locking collar to be positioned and operated separately from the valve body movement, reducing the connection force required while maintaining locking reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking collar is designed to be dynamically movable along the valve body axis, allowing it to engage and disengage locking elements during connection and disconnection operations. This dynamic positioning capability enables the locking mechanism to function independently of the valve body's centring spring force, thereby reducing the overall connection force required.
3Reliability
If the entire valve body must shift for locking elements to lock into place, then locking engagement is ensured, but connection force increases due to the need to move the entire valve body
Solution Approach 1:
The locking function is separated from the valve body as a whole, and instead assigned to an independent locking collar with locking elements. This segmentation allows the locking engagement to occur through localized movement of the locking collar rather than requiring the entire valve body to shift, thereby improving ease of operation while ensuring reliable locking engagement.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking collar acts as an intermediary component between the valve body and the locking elements. It mediates the locking engagement process by providing a dedicated structure that can move independently to engage the locking elements, eliminating the need for the entire valve body to shift and thus reducing the force required for connection.
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 design ensures safe and easy connection/disconnection under pressure with minimal fluid spillage, reduces connection forces, and prevents catastrophic failures by automatically relieving trapped pressure and independent locking collar movement.
Implementation Method 1
the piston includes an internal flow passage extending through the piston to enable fluid connection of the main cavity with the trap chamber
Implementation Method 2
a check valve configured to allow fluid flow from the trap chamber to the main cavity when the pressure in the trap chamber is greater than the pressure in the main cavity
Data Source
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AI summary
A quick connect/disconnect coupling having a female coupler (10) and a corresponding male coupler(80). The female coupler has a non-spill configuration and includes a housing (12) and a valve body (14) slidably movable in the housing. A valve member (16) is slidably movable in the valve body toward and away from a valve seat(38), the valve member being configured to engage the male coupler. A piston (18) is interposed between a main cavity and a trap chamber (30) of the female coupler. The piston may be fixed to the valve member for common movement, and may include an internal flow passage (22) for enabling fluid connection between the main cavity and trap chamber. A check valve (74) may allow fluid flow from the trap chamber to the main cavity when the trap chamber pressure is greater than the main cavity pressure. A locking collar (50) may be independently movable of the valve body to reduce the force required to connect the couplers.