Pressure-Balanced Quick Disconnect Coupling for Leak-Free Fluid Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
The challenge of preventing fluid leaks and pressure blow-off at high-pressure connections between rockets and fluid sources during fluid transfer is significant, particularly in the context of launch vehicles.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of pressure-balanced quick disconnect systems with components that isolate features from pressurized fluid, utilizing venting mechanisms to equalize pressure forces and ensure seamless coupling and decoupling without fluid-induced forces, thereby reducing the risk of leaks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional quick disconnect systems are used for high-pressure fluid transfer, then connection and disconnection operations can be performed, but fluid leaks and pressure blow-off occur during coupling and decoupling
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by closing the poppet valve and activating the piston before full coupling is achieved, and by closing the poppet valve before disconnection begins. This preliminary closure of fluid paths prevents leaks and pressure blow-off during the coupling and decoupling operations, resolving the contradiction between reliability and ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses dynamic pressure balancing through the piston mechanism that moves during coupling to equalize pressures on both sides of the connector. This dynamic adjustment allows safe coupling and decoupling operations while preventing fluid leaks, thereby resolving the contradiction between operational ease and leak prevention.
2Reliability
If pressure-balanced components are implemented to prevent fluid-induced forces, then system safety improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is segmented into distinct functional components: an outer housing, an inner sleeve, a piston with sealing elements, and a poppet valve. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific pressure-balancing function independently, achieving system safety while keeping the overall design manageable through modular functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The piston acts as an intermediary element between the coupling interface and the fluid path. It mediates the pressure forces by moving in response to pressure differentials and activating the poppet valve accordingly. This intermediary mechanism provides automatic pressure balancing without requiring complex external control systems.
3Reliability
If venting mechanisms are added to isolate components from pressurized fluid, then pressure blow-off is prevented, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The venting function is merged with the existing piston and poppet valve mechanisms. The piston's movement naturally creates venting paths, and the poppet valve's closure simultaneously seals the fluid path and vents pressure from the outer housing. This merging of functions prevents pressure blow-off without adding separate, complex manufacturing steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the pressure differential itself to drive the piston movement and activate the venting mechanism. When pressure builds up during coupling, the piston automatically moves to equalize pressures and open vent paths. This self-service approach prevents pressure blow-off without requiring external control systems or complex manufacturing.
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 prevents fluid leaks and pressure blow-off during coupling and decoupling, ensuring reliable and safe fluid transfer for launch vehicles operating at high pressures.
Implementation Method 1
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
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.