O-Ring Membrane Valve for Resealable Fluid Connectors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid connectors lack a resealable membrane feature that allows fluid to flow in and out while maintaining a seal, particularly in automotive applications, where quick and easy resealing is necessary.
Innovation Solution
A fluid connector design incorporating an O-ring membrane valve with a resealable membrane featuring a slit, which allows fluid to flow when the tube end form is inserted and reseals when removed, utilizing an O-ring and a conical membrane with a slit at its vertex.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a membrane is punctured to allow fluid flow, then fluid can travel between components, but the membrane cannot reseal when the tube end form is removed
Solution Approach 1:
The membrane is designed to transition between two states: punctured/open when a tube end form is inserted to allow fluid flow, and sealed when the tube end form is removed. This dynamic state change enables the membrane to adapt its functionality based on operational requirements, resolving the contradiction between fluid flow capability and seal integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The membrane's physical state is changed from intact to punctured and back to sealed through controlled interaction with the tube end form. The parameters of the membrane (integrity, permeability) are dynamically adjusted by the insertion and removal of the tube end form, allowing the system to switch between fluid flow and seal containment modes.
2Productivity
If a grease plug is used to allow fluid flow, then fluid can enter and exit the component, but the plug cannot be quickly removed for resealing
Solution Approach 1:
The membrane valve system is self-actuating through the insertion and removal of the tube end form itself. The tube end form serves dual purposes: as the fluid conduit and as the actuator that punctures and seals the membrane. This eliminates the need for separate plug removal operations, enabling quick resealing without additional tools or steps.
3Strength
If a retaining clip is used to secure the tube end form, then the connection is secure, but the membrane cannot reseal after removal
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing function is separated from the connection function. The retaining clip handles the connection strength requirement by securing the tube end form to the fitting, while the membrane handles the sealing requirement by puncturing and resealing. This functional segmentation allows each component to optimize its specific role without compromising the other.
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
Enables efficient fluid transfer and resealing, ensuring that the fluid remains contained within the component, facilitating easy filling and evacuation processes while maintaining a tight seal.
Implementation Method 1
a resealable membrane connected to the O-ring, the resealable membrane including a first surface, a second surface, and a slit extending from the first surface to the second surface
Data Source
AI summary
An O-ring membrane valve, including an O-ring, and a resealable membrane connected to the O-ring, the resealable membrane including a first surface, a second surface, and a slit extending from the first surface to the second surface. The O-ring membrane valve may be assembled with a fluid connector, the fluid connector including a body, having a first through-bore and a first groove arranged circumferentially within the first through-bore.