Quick-Connect Valve Locking Mechanism for Pressurized Fluid Safety
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pressurized fluid supply devices face issues with safe disconnection under varying pressure conditions, leading to potential damage, leaks, or incomplete circuit closure, especially when trying to separate connected elements.
Innovation Solution
The device incorporates a control member that ensures the locking/unlocking mechanism is blocked in its second position during fluid flow to prevent separation, and in its rest position, allows movement to facilitate separation, using a mechanical or magnetic blocking system to secure the attachment members, ensuring safe and complete disconnection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the locking/unlocking mechanism allows separation of the second valve from the first valve, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to potential damage, leaks, or ejection under pressure
Solution Approach 1:
The locking/unlocking member is designed to dynamically change its state based on pressure conditions. It automatically transitions between locked and unlocked positions in response to pressure changes, allowing the system to adapt its connection stability to current operating conditions without manual intervention
Solution Approach 2:
The locking/unlocking mechanism incorporates a feedback system that responds to pressure changes within the fluid circuit. The mechanism detects pressure conditions and automatically adjusts the locking state accordingly, ensuring the connection remains stable when needed and can be safely disconnected when pressure conditions permit
2Ease of operation
If the control element allows movement to open the circuit, then ease of operation is improved, but harmful factors increase due to gas leaks during disconnection
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies preliminary anti-action by automatically blocking the circuit closure before disconnection can occur. The locking/unlocking member prevents the circuit from being opened while under pressure, thereby preventing gas leaks before the harmful effect can manifest
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanism performs preliminary action by automatically ensuring circuit closure is maintained before any disconnection attempt. The locking member proactively prevents premature opening of the circuit, ensuring that disconnection only occurs when the circuit is properly closed and pressure conditions are safe
3Reliability
If the locking mechanism is always engaged, then reliability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to inability to disconnect
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism transitions from a static always-engaged state to a dynamic state that automatically adjusts based on pressure conditions. The locking/unlocking member responds to pressure changes, being engaged when reliability is needed and disengaged when safe disconnection is permitted
Data Source
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AI summary
A device for supplying pressurized fluid, in particular pressurized gas, comprising a first valve (3) housing an internal fluid circuit (13), the device (1) comprising a second valve (5) comprising an internal circuit (15), the second valve (5) forming a physical entity distinct from the first valve (3), the first (3) valve and the second (5) valve comprising respective attachment elements (6, 7) forming a removable male/female quick-connect system of the second valve (5) to the first (3) valve, the internal circuits (13, 15) comprising a set of valve(s) (4, 9) for permitting or preventing the flow of fluid to an outlet (25) of the device when the second valve (5) is attached to the first valve (3) via the quick-connect system, the device (1) comprising at least one manually actuated movable control element (11) for controlling the set of valve(s),the control member (11) being movable between a first rest position in which fluid flow towards the outlet (25) is prevented and a second active position in which fluid flow towards the outlet (25) is allowed, the quick-connect system comprising a locking/unlocking member (14) of the second valve (5) on the first (3) valve, the locking/unlocking member (14) being movable between a first unlocked position when the quick connection is not established between the second valve (5) and the first (3) valve or allowing separation between the second valve (5) and the first (3) valve when the quick connection is established between the second valve (5) and the first (3) valve, and a second locking position preventing separation between the second valve (5) and the first (3) valve when the quick connection is established between them, characterized in that,In its second active position, the control member (11) ensures that the locking/unlocking member (14) is blocked in its second position, to prevent separation between the second tap (5) and the first tap (3), and in that, in its first rest position, the control member (11) does not block the locking/unlocking member (14) in its second position, to allow its movement to its first position and thus permit separation between the second tap (5) and the first tap (3).