Pressure-Balanced Quick Disconnect Coupling for Leak-Free Fluid Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing quick disconnect systems for fluid connections in rocket launch vehicles face challenges in preventing fluid leaks and pressure blow-off when connecting and disconnecting under high pressures, which can lead to adverse events and inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
The development of pressure-balanced quick disconnect systems with components isolated from pressurized fluid, featuring a flight-side connector with a piston and ground-side connector with a poppet, which balance pressure forces in axial, radial, and circumferential directions, and include venting mechanisms to prevent fluid-induced forces during coupling and decoupling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional quick disconnect systems are used for fluid connections under high pressure, then connection and disconnection can be performed quickly, but fluid leaks and pressure blow-off occur during coupling and decoupling
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary sealing actions before full pressure transfer. The sealing surfaces engage and establish seals before the fluid pathway is fully opened, ensuring that pressure containment is already in place before high-pressure fluid begins to flow through the connection
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediary sealing components and pressure-balanced structures that mediate between the high-pressure fluid and the connector components. These intermediaries distribute and balance pressure forces, preventing direct high-pressure exposure of critical sealing surfaces during the coupling process
2Productivity
If connectors are exposed to high-pressure fluid during connection, then fluid transfer is efficient, but fluid-induced forces cause leaks and pressure blow-off
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs pressure-balanced structures where opposing surfaces are exposed to equal and opposite pressure forces. This creates a counterbalancing effect where the fluid pressure forces on one side are neutralized by equal forces on the opposite side, eliminating net forces that would cause leaks or blow-off
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the harmful effect of high-pressure fluid forces into a beneficial sealing mechanism. The pressure forces that would normally cause blow-off are redirected and utilized to enhance seal engagement and maintain pressure containment during the connection process
3Quantity of substance
If sealing surfaces are exposed to high pressure during coupling, then fluid flow is established, but adverse events like leaks and pressure blow-off occur
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing surfaces establish their seals before the high-pressure fluid flow is fully established. The connection process is staged so that mechanical engagement and seal contact occur first, creating a pressure-containing envelope before the fluid pathway is completely opened to high pressure
Solution Approach 2:
Intermediary components such as pressure-balanced pistons and staged sealing elements are introduced to mediate between the incoming high-pressure fluid and the sealing surfaces. These intermediaries control the timing and distribution of pressure application, ensuring seals are maintained without direct high-pressure exposure during coupling
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 solution effectively reduces or eliminates leaks and pressure blow-off during connection and disconnection, maintaining fluid pressure at operating levels and ensuring efficient fluid transfer without damaging the connectors or associated systems.
Implementation Method 1
a spring configured to bias the piston towards the poppet in order to apply the sealing surfaces against one another
Implementation Method 2
include venting mechanisms to prevent fluid-induced forces during coupling and decoupling
Data Source
AI summary
Quick disconnect devices for high pressure fluid transfer, and associated systems and methods are disclosed. A representative quick disconnect system includes a first connector and a second connector. The second connector can have an opening sized and shaped to receive a first end of the first connector. The second connector can include a poppet positioned to open the first connector when the first connector is connected to the second connector. The second connector can include an inner sleeve moveable between a first position wherein the poppet head forms a fluid-tight seal with the annular seat of the inner sleeve, and a second position wherein the second end portion is open to permit fluid flow through the end portion of the inner sleeve. In some embodiments, the inner sleeve is pressure balanced in every direction.