Quick Connect Fluid Coupling Single Lever Sequential Valve Actuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid coupling systems require sequential rotation of two handles to open and close nested ball valves, leading to potential fluid spillage and complexity in operation.
Innovation Solution
A quick connect fluid coupling design that uses a single lever to open and close both ball valves sequentially, employing a spring-loaded plate latching mechanism and gear teeth to ensure minimal fluid spillage and safety interlocks to prevent inadvertent disconnection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If two separate handles are used to open and close nested ball valves sequentially, then each valve can be controlled independently, but the device complexity increases and ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines two separate handle operations into a single integrated handle that sequentially actuates both ball valves. The single handle incorporates cam mechanisms that engage with both valves in sequence, allowing one operator to open or close both valves with a single continuous motion, thereby improving ease of operation while maintaining the sequential control needed for proper valve operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The single handle serves multiple functions: it acts as the primary actuator for opening the first valve, continues to actuate the second valve through gear engagement, and provides a unified interface for both valve operations. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate handles while ensuring proper sequential operation of both ball valves.
2Reliability
If coupling bodies are allowed to disconnect at any position, then ease of operation improves, but fluid spillage increases and reliability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The latch mechanism is designed to automatically engage and lock the coupling bodies together before the ball valves are fully opened. This preliminary latching action ensures that the coupling is securely connected prior to fluid flow initiation, preventing accidental disconnection and fluid spillage while maintaining ease of operation through automatic engagement.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates a feedback mechanism where the position of the ball valves controls the latching state. The latch remains engaged only when both valves are in the closed position, and automatically disengages when the valves are opened. This feedback ensures that disconnection can only occur when valves are closed, preventing fluid spillage while maintaining operational simplicity.
3Loss of substance
If ball valves are opened simultaneously, then operation time is reduced, but fluid spillage increases and manufacturing precision requirements worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The valve opening operation is segmented into two sequential phases through the cam mechanism design. The first cam lobe opens the first ball valve while the second cam lobe opens the second ball valve in sequence. This segmentation ensures that valves open one after the other rather than simultaneously, minimizing fluid spillage during the transition while maintaining efficient operation through the continuous motion of the single handle.
Solution Approach 2:
The cam mechanisms are designed to begin opening the first valve before the second valve starts to open. This preliminary action sequence ensures that the fluid path is gradually opened rather than abruptly, reducing spillage. The sequential timing is built into the cam profiles, allowing smooth transition from closed to open state for both valves without simultaneous abrupt opening.
Data Source
AI summary
A full flow quick connect fluid coupling that reduces spillage using a convex and a concave ball valve mounted each in a separate coupling body that are joined together where the ball valves seal together and are sequentially rotated using one activation lever to first rotate a first ball valve 90 degrees and then rotating a second ball valve 90 degrees using a gear drive mechanism. A handle button release lock and a secondary handle lock ensure that the valves are not opened until the bodies are joined and locked together in sealing engagement. A lock mechanism is used to lock the bodies together and to provide a lock tab that prevents the ball valves from being opened until the lock mechanism is closed.