Quick Connector Coupling With Cam-Driven Dynamic Valve Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing quick connector couplings for fluid lines lack efficient mechanisms for dynamic sealing and easy connection/disconnection, particularly in applications requiring repeated use, such as rocket motors, where leak-free operation and ease of maintenance are critical.
Innovation Solution
A dynamic dry disconnect coupling system with a valve mechanism using poppet valves and a ball-bearing joint, allowing for rotational movement, which includes a valve element, and a proximity sensor to determine the relative rotational position between housings, facilitating easy connection and disconnection while maintaining a sealed fluid joint.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a quick connector coupling is designed for repeated connection/disconnection, then ease of operation is improved, but ensuring leak-free operation becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The valve element is pre-positioned to automatically close the fluid passage when the coupling is disconnected, and the cam mechanism is pre-configured to force valve engagement during connection. This preliminary positioning ensures that no manual intervention is needed to maintain sealing, resolving the contradiction between easy operation and leak-free reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling mechanism includes self-actuating valve elements that automatically open or close based on the connection state. The cam mechanism self-adjusts to force the valve elements into proper engagement positions, eliminating the need for separate manual valve control and ensuring reliable sealing without complicating the operation.
2Reliability
If a valve mechanism is added to enable dynamic sealing, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The valve mechanism is merged with the coupling body itself, where the valve elements are integrated into the housing structure and the cam mechanism is formed as part of the coupling assembly. This integration eliminates separate valve components and reduces overall complexity while maintaining dynamic sealing capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve elements are designed to dynamically respond to the connection state through the cam mechanism, automatically adjusting their position to maintain sealing. This dynamic behavior is achieved through simple mechanical geometry rather than complex control systems, resolving the contradiction between reliability and complexity.
3Reliability
If cam mechanisms are used to force valve engagement, then reliability is improved, but ease of operation may worsen due to alignment requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The cam mechanism is designed with asymmetric geometry that naturally guides the valve elements into the correct engagement position during connection. The asymmetric cam profiles create a self-aligning effect that forces proper valve engagement even if initial alignment is imperfect, resolving the contradiction between reliable engagement and ease of operation.
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 leak-free operation and easy maintenance by allowing seamless switching between open and closed states, reducing pressure drop, and providing real-time status indication of the valve position.
Implementation Method 1
a spring disposed at least partially in the cavity and biasing the additional valve element toward a sealed position
Implementation Method 2
The first housing and the second housing are rotationally secured together in a ball bearing joint
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3~5
AI summary
A coupling includes first and second housings, a valve element, and a guide link. The first housing is rotatable relative to the second housing. The first housing has helical cam slots and the second housing has linear cam tracks. The guide link is in the first housing and is fixed with the valve element. The guide link carries cam rollers. The cam rollers ride in the helical slots and the linear cam tracks. Rotation of the first housing causes rotation of the helical slots. The rotation of the helical slots induces the cam rollers to travel along the helical slots and along the linear cam tracks such that the guide link translates linearly. The valve element moves with the guide link between open and closed positions.