Quick Disconnect Fitting for Phase Changing Materials
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing quick disconnect fittings with shutoff valves struggle to make secure connections with phase changing materials, as they require vertical displacement, which is hindered when the material transitions from liquid to solid, leading to inefficiencies and potential leaks, especially when the fitting is large or requires significant downtime for cooling or heating.
Innovation Solution
A compact quick disconnect fitting with a displaceable pin and pin capture system that allows passage of phase changing materials in both solid and liquid states, enabling secure connections and disconnections without vertical displacement, using a combination of a fitting base, pin capture, displaceable pin, fitting socket, and valve with a ferromagnetic sphere and ring magnet for sealing, allowing for operation across various temperature ranges.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a shutoff valve requires vertical displacement of components to seal/close, then the valve can be operated, but the fitting cannot make a complete connection when phase changing material solidifies
Solution Approach 1:
The valve mechanism is segmented into a displaceable pin that can move independently within a pin capture, allowing the sealing action to occur without requiring vertical displacement of the entire fitting components. This segmentation enables the valve to function while maintaining connection integrity with solidified material.
Solution Approach 2:
A ferromagnetic sphere acts as an intermediary between the displaceable pin and the valve seat, enabling the sealing action. The sphere is attracted by a ring magnet to seal the valve opening, allowing the valve to close without the pin needing to displace vertically, thus working effectively even when material is solidified.
2Reliability
If the fitting size is increased to accommodate phase changing materials, then connections can be made, but the fitting becomes large and less practical
Solution Approach 1:
The fitting employs a dynamic sealing mechanism where the ferromagnetic sphere is attracted to the valve seat by magnetic force, allowing effective sealing without requiring a large fitting size. This dynamic approach enables reliable connections with phase changing materials while maintaining a compact design.
3Ease of operation
If the phase changing material is heated to maintain liquid state, then the fitting can be disconnected, but leaking of the phase changing material may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanical displacement system is replaced with a magnetic field-based sealing system. The ferromagnetic sphere is attracted to the valve seat by a ring magnet, providing reliable sealing without requiring the material to be heated or maintained in liquid state, thus preventing leaking during disconnection operations.
4Reliability
If the machine is cooled to solidify the phase changing material before disconnection, then the fitting can be disconnected, but significant downtime is required
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic sealing mechanism using a ferromagnetic sphere and ring magnet enables the valve to seal and disconnect without requiring the phase changing material to be solidified through cooling. This eliminates the significant downtime previously required, allowing rapid disconnection regardless of material state.
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 sealed connections even when the phase changing material solidifies, reducing downtime and preventing leaks, while maintaining a compact and manufacturable design suitable for applications like printing and food production, allowing for quick disconnection and reconnection without vertical displacement.
Implementation Method 1
The valve includes a ferromagnetic sphere and a ring magnet arranged to create a magnetic field across the valve opening
Data Source
AI summary
A disconnect fitting adapted for use with a phase changing composition including a fitting base having a first fitting base end, a second fitting base end and a fitting base opening therebetween, a pin capture disposed within the fitting base opening, a displaceable pin secured within the pin capture, a fitting socket having a first fitting socket end, a second fitting socket end, a fitting socket opening therebetween, the second fitting socket end secured to the second fitting base end, and a valve at least partially disposed within the fitting socket opening. When the displaceable pin is in an unloaded condition, the displaceable pin extends in a direction of the second fitting base end, and when the displaceable pin is in a loaded condition, the displaceable pin is compressed in a direction of the first fitting base end. The pin capture permits passage of the phase changing composition through the fitting base opening when the displaceable pin is in the unloaded condition or the loaded condition. The disconnect fitting permits a secure connection of the fitting base and the fitting socket regardless of the state the material when the base and socket are disconnected.