Pressurized Grease Coupler With Interlock and Flush Face Sealing

Solution Overview

Problem

Current pressurized grease delivery systems require depressurization and bleed-off of lubricant before coupling, leading to time-consuming processes and environmental pollutant discharge.

Innovation Solution

A high-pressure coupler with interconnectable receiver and nozzle components, featuring normally closed sealed poppets, a spring-biased slidable annular poppet seat, and a handle-controlled internal ball valve with lockout, allowing pressurized coupling and decoupling without fluid loss and facilitating easy cleaning.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If depressurization and bleed-off of lubricant is performed before coupling, then safe coupling is achieved, but the process becomes time-consuming and results in lubricant loss

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesafe couplingVSAvoidcoupling process time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The poppet valves are pre-positioned in a closed state before coupling occurs. The receiver poppet and nozzle poppet are spring-biased to automatically seal the ports when uncoupled, eliminating the need for manual depressurization procedures before coupling operations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system automatically manages its own pressure containment through spring-biased poppets that self-seal when uncoupled. The coupling mechanism itself triggers the opening of flow paths without requiring external depressurization actions, making the system self-sufficient in pressure management

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Reliability

If depressurization and bleed-off of lubricant is performed before coupling, then safe coupling is achieved, but lubricant discharge occurs causing environmental pollution

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesafe couplingVSAvoidlubricant loss

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The poppet valves are pre-positioned in a closed state before coupling occurs. The receiver poppet and nozzle poppet are spring-biased to automatically seal the ports when uncoupled, eliminating the need for manual depressurization procedures before coupling operations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system automatically manages its own pressure containment through spring-biased poppets that self-seal when uncoupled. The coupling mechanism itself triggers the opening of flow paths without requiring external depressurization actions, making the system self-sufficient in pressure management

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Device complexity

If non-flush face mating surfaces are used, then coupling structure is simpler, but contamination of fluid occurs after coupling

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecoupling structureVSAvoidfluid contamination

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The mating surfaces of the receiver and nozzle are designed with flush-faced surfaces that align perfectly when coupled. This localized geometric feature ensures that no external contaminants can enter the fluid path at the interface, while maintaining a relatively simple overall coupling structure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The poppets are positioned to seal against the flush-faced surfaces before fluid flow begins, pre-preventing contamination from entering the system during the coupling process

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

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 efficient, leak-free pressurized grease delivery and storage without fluid loss during coupling and decoupling, reducing environmental impact and operational time.

Implementation Method 1

The poppet on the receiver is movable and spring biased

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSpring bias: Spring

Implementation Method 2

high pressure coupler for pressurized delivery of grease and other lubricating fluids

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFluid pressure: Pressure Increase

Implementation Method 3

The nozzle has a handle-controlled internal ball valve with a lockout coupled to a quick disconnect system

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectBall valve mechanism: Valve

Implementation Method 4

enables efficient, leak-free pressurized grease delivery

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSealing:

Data Source

PatentUS8720487B2Grease delivery receiver and nozzle couplable without fluid pressure bleed-down and having pressurization lockout and flush face coupling

Publication Date: 2014.05.13 MACKEY DEAN E

AI summary

A grease and lubricating oil line coupler includes a nozzle and a receiver which can be intercoupled for grease or lubricating oil delivery. Each component is equipped with a normally closed, sealed poppet, which prevents the entrance of dirt and other contaminants into the free ends thereof when decoupled, and which provides an easily-cleanable, flush-faced mating surface. The nozzle has a handle-operated internal valve with an interlock that is controlled by a quick disconnect slidable collar, which prevents the release of lubricants from the nozzle unless it is coupled to the receiver. Only when the nozzle and receiver are interconnected can the valve be opened, and only when the valve is closed can the nozzle be decoupled from the receiver. When the nozzle and receiver are coupled together, internal parts within the two components move to create a path through which lubricants can flow.