Sealing Mechanism for Pressurized Fluid Connector
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing conditioning devices for pressurized-fluid containers with isolation valves at the terminal end are not suitable for secure fluid-tight connections, particularly for filling connectors with two concentric valves flush with the terminal end.
Innovation Solution
The conditioning device incorporates a blocking member with a tightness seal on its upstream face to form a seal between the gas transfer duct and the internal circuit of the filling connector, along with a pushing member and actuating device to control the blocking member's movement, ensuring secure sealing and coupling, and a locking mechanism to maintain the connection under pressure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If existing conditioning devices are used with isolation valves at the terminal end, then the device structure is simple, but the sealing reliability is insufficient for connectors with two concentric valves
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing function is segmented into multiple independent sealing elements: a first sealing element on the blocking member for sealing the first valve, and a second sealing element on the coupling member for sealing the second valve. This segmentation allows each sealing element to be optimized independently for its specific sealing requirement, thereby improving overall sealing reliability without requiring a completely redesigned complex structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The conditioning device incorporates a nested structure where the coupling member is received within the body, and the blocking member is positioned within the coupling member's central space. The first and second sealing elements are nested at different levels within this hierarchical structure, allowing compact arrangement while maintaining reliable sealing for both concentric valves.
2Reliability
If a secure fluid-tight connection is achieved for connectors with two concentric valves, then the sealing performance is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling member serves multiple functions: it provides mechanical coupling between the conditioning device and the connector, houses the second sealing element for fluid-tight sealing of the second valve, and contains the valve pusher mechanism for actuating the second valve. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components, achieving secure fluid-tight connection without proportionally increasing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The blocking member acts as an intermediary element that simultaneously engages with the connector's terminal end and provides the first sealing element. It mediates between the connector's first valve and the conditioning device's gas transfer duct, enabling fluid-tight sealing while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure through this intermediate component.
3Ease of operation
If the blocking member is movable to allow connector insertion, then the ease of operation is improved, but the sealing reliability may be compromised during movement
Solution Approach 1:
The blocking member is designed to be movable along the longitudinal axis, transitioning between a retracted position that allows connector insertion and an engaged position that provides sealing. This dynamic capability enables the device to adapt its configuration during operation, maintaining both ease of connector insertion and sealing reliability at different operational stages.
Solution Approach 2:
The first sealing element is positioned on the blocking member in advance, ready to engage with the connector's first valve. As the blocking member moves into its engaged position during the insertion process, the sealing action occurs automatically as a preliminary result of the movement, ensuring sealing integrity is established before full operational connection is achieved.
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 enables a reliable and secure mechanical connection with enhanced sealing, allowing for efficient filling and tapping operations while maintaining the connection under increased pressure, preventing leakage and ensuring the integrity of the fluid-tight seal.
Implementation Method 1
the upstream face of the blocking member comprises a tightness seal arranged about the longitudinal axis to form sealing between the gas transfer duct and an internal circuit of a filling connector
Implementation Method 2
the blocking member being urged by default towards its working position by a return member
Data Source
AI summary
A conditioning device for engaging with a filling and/or tapping connector of a pressurized-fluid container cock, including a body bearing at least one coupling member arranged about a longitudinal axis, a locking member which is movable with respect to the body and with respect to the coupling member, a valve pusher which is movable in a gas transfer duct, and a blocking member, wherein the upstream face of the blocking member includes a tightness seal arranged about the longitudinal axis to form sealing between the gas transfer duct and an internal circuit of a filling connector.