Quick-Close Coupler Valve Geometry for Self-Centering Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid fittings suffer from axial misalignment of valves, leading to premature wear and potential coupling failure due to imprecise relative positioning, which previous solutions have not adequately addressed.
Innovation Solution
The fluid fitting features enlarged end surfaces with recessed reliefs and a symmetrical, self-centering design that ensures precise alignment of valves, facilitated by complementary junction surfaces and a hyperboloid shape, allowing continuous passage variation and enhanced sealing through elastic return members.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional valve positioning is used, then the fitting structure is simple, but axial misalignment occurs leading to premature wear and potential coupling failure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies spherical curvature to the valve junction surfaces, where each valve end features a spherical surface that enables self-centering through geometric constraint. This curved geometry automatically aligns the valves axially when connectors are coupled, eliminating misalignment issues while maintaining structural simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The spherical valve junction surfaces provide self-alignment and self-centering functionality without requiring external positioning mechanisms. The geometry itself performs the alignment function, making the system self-sufficient in achieving proper valve positioning and eliminating wear caused by misalignment.
2Manufacturing precision
If precise valve alignment is achieved through complex positioning mechanisms, then coupling consistency improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The spherical junction surfaces provide inherent geometric precision for valve alignment. The curved surfaces naturally guide the valves into correct axial alignment through their geometry, achieving high manufacturing precision without complex positioning mechanisms or additional adjustment components.
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
This design prevents off-axis positioning, reduces valve wear, guarantees consistent coupling, and minimizes pressure drops and turbulence, ensuring reliable fluid transfer.
Implementation Method 1
valves elastically returned by springs
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a fluidic coupler (10) comprising male (12) and female (14) connectors, each comprising an inner fluid duct (18, 32) and a valve (70) that is elastically displaceable in the duct (18, 32), wherein the valves (70) interact with one another by mutually pushing one another into a fluidically open position in a coupling configuration and wherein the valves (70) are elastically returned to a position in which the duct (18, 32) is sealed closed by means of closing heads (76A, 76B) in a configuration in which the two connectors (12, 14) are uncoupled, the body (74) of one of the valves (70) comprising a section (82) for connecting the closing head (76B) to the free joining end (78) with a portion (84) that is convergent in the direction of a neck (86) and a portion (88) that is divergent up to the free joining end (78) to define a widened end joining surface (90), and the closing head (76A) of the other valve (70) is truncated at its free joining end (78) to define a widened end joining surface (92).