Pressurized Fluid Connector Valves With Cross-Locking Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connection devices face challenges with connecting male and female connectors under pressure without leakage, obstructing fluid flow, and risking valve jamming due to complex architectures and inadequate sealing mechanisms, especially when handling pressurized fluids or fluids containing solid elements like partially frozen water.
Innovation Solution
A connection device with first and second connectors featuring a fixed body, a movable valve, and locking mechanisms that secure the valve to the fixed body of the other connector, allowing connection under pressure without fluid leakage, and includes sealing members supported by the same part to prevent pressure-induced leaks and uncontrolled valve movement, ensuring automatic return to the closed position during disconnection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional connection devices are used to connect male and female connectors under pressure, then fluid communication is established, but fluid leakage occurs and valve return reliability is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The connection device is divided into two independent connectors (male and female), each with its own valve and spring mechanism. This segmentation allows each connector to independently manage its valve closure, ensuring reliable sealing under pressure without requiring a complex integrated structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The valves are pre-positioned in a closed state before connection, and the springs are pre-loaded to ensure automatic return to closed position. This preliminary preparation ensures that connection can occur under pressure without leakage, as the valves are already in the correct starting position.
2Reliability
If seals are positioned within the fluid flow between connectors, then fluid leakage is prevented, but fluid flow is impeded and seals risk being torn away at high flow rates
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing function is extracted from the main fluid flow path and integrated into the valve closure mechanism. The seals are positioned at the valve seating surfaces rather than in the central flow channel, preventing leakage without obstructing fluid flow or exposing seals to high-velocity shear forces.
3Reliability
If elements are present within connectors to prevent leakage, then sealing is improved, but blockages occur in fluid passages when fluid contains solid particles
Solution Approach 1:
Sealing is achieved locally at the valve seating surfaces through precisely positioned seals and mating surfaces, rather than using bulk elements within the fluid passage. This localized approach prevents leakage without introducing obstructions that could block solid particles in the coolant flow.
4Ease of operation
If spring force is used to return valves to closed position, then valve return is achieved, but valve blockage occurs during disconnection when spring force is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The spring force parameters are optimized to ensure sufficient return force under all operating conditions, including disconnection with residual pressure. The spring characteristics (rate, preload, wire diameter) are specifically selected to overcome any blocking forces and reliably return valves to the closed position.
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 secure and leak-proof connection under pressure, prevents valve jamming, and maintains fluid flow integrity even with solid elements, ensuring efficient and reliable operation.
Implementation Method 1
A spring is traditionally used to return each valve to the closed position
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a device (1) comprising a first connector (100) and a second connector (200). The first connector (100) and the second connector (200) comprise a stationary body (102, 202) defining a fluid circulation conduit (104, 204) opening up into a connection opening (106, 206), and a valve (108, 208) that is movable in relation to the stationary body (102, 202), between a closing position in which the valve (108, 208) closes the connection opening (106, 206), and a release position in which the valve (108, 208) opens up a passage through the connection opening (106, 206). The device (1) also comprises first locking means designed to lock the movable valve (108) of the first connector (100) to the stationary body (202) of the second connector (200), and second locking means designed to lock the stationary body (102) of the first connector (100) to the movable valve (208) of the second connector (200).