Quick Pipe Coupling Channel Layout to Protect Seals Under Pressure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing quick coupling systems for pressurized fluid pipes face issues with sudden pressure equalization, leading to temporary or permanent dislocation of seals and potential leaks, especially when connecting pipes under different pressure conditions, which can be harmful in applications like electronics cooling or oil handling.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a male and female connector system with specific radial contact surfaces and fluid passage channels that allow for gradual pressure equalization without sudden exposure to fluid pressure, featuring grooves along cylindrical walls that offset the sealing surfaces to maintain seal integrity during connection and disconnection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the sealing element is directly exposed to the fluid flowing in the channel when the fitting is coupled, then the fluid channel can open quickly to connect the two pipes, but the seal is subjected to significant stress and may be stretched or dislodged against the shoulder of the housing due to abrupt pressure equalization
Solution Approach 1:
A fluid communication channel is introduced as an intermediary pathway between the two cavities. This channel allows pressure equalization to occur gradually through controlled fluid flow rather than abrupt direct connection, preventing the seal from being suddenly exposed to high pressure differential while still enabling quick connection. The channel acts as a mediator that balances the need for fast connection with seal protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The fluid passage is segmented into multiple sections: a first cavity, a fluid communication channel, and a second cavity. The seal is positioned within the first cavity rather than directly exposed to the main fluid stream. This segmentation allows the seal to remain protected while fluid flows through the channel to equalize pressure between the two sides of the fitting.
2Ease of operation
If the pusher of the female fitting protrudes beyond the opening of the complementary male fitting at a cone to push the male valve open, then the two pipes can be connected, but the pressure exerted on the periphery of the seal increases abruptly causing the seal to be stretched and pulled against the shoulder of the housing
Solution Approach 1:
The fluid communication channel is pre-established in the housing structure before the valve opening action occurs. When the pusher protrudes and opens the valve, the pressure equalization already has a prepared pathway through the channel, preventing abrupt pressure increase on the seal. The channel is ready in advance to accommodate the pressure equalization process.
3Stress or pressure
If a leak is created at one of the sealing faces to relieve the pressurized pipeline via an additional sealing section, then the pressure can be reduced, but this requires creation of additional sealing area and gasket which adds design constraints related to space requirements and industrialization constraints
Solution Approach 1:
The fluid communication channel serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides pressure equalization between the two cavities, protects the seal from direct fluid exposure, and enables quick connection without requiring additional sealing sections or gaskets. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate pressure relief mechanisms while maintaining seal integrity.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a quick-connect fitting, composed of a male element and a female element. The male element comprises a cylindrical male body, defining a longitudinal cavity and a distal opening, and a valve (108) movable axially within the cavity, between an advanced position in which it closes the opening and a retracted position in which it does not close the opening. The female element comprises a cylindrical female body, defining a longitudinal cavity and a distal opening, a plunger (208), and a slide. The male body or the plunger (208) defines a fluid passage channel (102.1) connecting the interior of the cavity to the distal opening of the male or female element, respectively. The passage channel (102.1), opening into the cavity of the male or female element, is inscribed within a circle, the diameter of which is respectively larger or smaller than that (D110; D210) of the first and second sealing joints (110, 210). The channel (102.1) extends between two planes perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, respectively between a proximal plane (P1) and a distal plane (P2), which are offset from each other along the longitudinal axis (X-X').