Pressure-Sensitive Stop for Fluid Transfer Safety

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing modular fluid supply devices, particularly those handling high-pressure fluids, inadequately ensure user safety during improper handling and fail to adapt to changing usage modes.

Innovation Solution

A device with a movable pressure-sensitive stop that locks the hooking members in place when pressure exceeds a threshold, preventing disconnection, and a return member urging the stop to its locking position, ensuring safe connection and disconnection mechanisms.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a pressure-sensitive stop is added to prevent disconnection under pressure, then user safety is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuser safetyVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The pressure-sensitive stop is integrated into the existing hooking member structure, combining the safety function with the connection mechanism. The stop utilizes the internal circuit pressure directly to actuate the locking action, merging the safety system with the fluid transfer circuit rather than adding a separate independent safety device.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The pressure-sensitive stop is automatically actuated by the pressure within the internal circuit itself, without requiring external control systems or additional power sources. The high pressure fluid directly drives the stop to the locking position, making the safety mechanism self-activating and eliminating the need for complex external control systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Adaptability or versatility

If a movable stop with return member is implemented, then adaptability to usage modes is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to usage modesVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The stop is designed to be movable between different positions (unlocked and locked) rather than being fixed, allowing the device to adapt to different usage modes. The return member enables the stop to automatically transition between positions based on pressure conditions, providing dynamic adaptability without requiring complex control systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Reliability

If the stop locks hooking members under pressure, then reliability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection reliabilityVSAvoidease of disconnection
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The locking action is applied locally only when and where needed - specifically when pressure exceeds the threshold in the internal circuit. The stop remains in the unlocked position during normal low-pressure operation, allowing easy connection and disconnection. The locking function is activated only in the specific condition of high pressure, providing local quality control rather than universal locking.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

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

Enhances user safety by preventing accidental disconnection under high pressure and allows for secure, adaptable fluid transfer without compromising device size or ergonomics.

Implementation Method 1

a stop (9) sensitive to the pressure in the internal circuit to block the locking member (10) when said pressure is greater than a determined threshold

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPressure-sensitive movement: Pressure Gradient

Implementation Method 2

the device comprises a return member (12) urging said stop (9) towards its first position

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSpring force: Spring

Data Source

PatentEP3265718B1Device for supplying pressurised fluid and corresponding fluid transfer member
Publication Date: 2018.11.21 LAIR LIQUIDE SA POUR LETUDE & LEXPLOITATION DES PROCEDES GEORGES CLAUDE
  • EP3265718B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP3265718B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5
  • EP3265718B1 patent drawingFigure 6

AI summary

A device for supplying pressurised fluid comprising a tank (2) provided with a first valve (3) housing an inner fluid circuit (4) comprising at least one isolation valve (5), the device comprising a fluid transfer member (6) forming a physical entity separate from the valve (3) and from the tank (2) and comprising an inner fluid transfer circuit (11), the transfer member (6) and said first valve (3) comprising respective coupling members (7, 8) forming a detachable quick connection system in the coupled position of the transfer member (6) on the first valve (3), the inner circuit (11) of the transfer member (6) being fluidically linked to the inner circuit (4) of the first valve (3), the device comprising a stop (9) sensitive to the pressure in at least one of the inner circuits (4, 11) for blocking the coupling members (7, 8) in the coupled position when said pressure is greater than a predefined threshold, the stop (9) being movable between a first position in which the coupling members (7, 8) are not blocked and a second position in which the coupling members (7, 8) are blocked, the device comprising a return member (12) urging the stop (9) towards the first position of same.