Quick Coupling Volume Displacement Passage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional dummy couplings for high-pressure fluid systems, particularly in subsea applications, face issues with seawater ingress due to trapped volume between coupling halves, which can lead to damage from marine growth and calciferous deposits when moved, and require complex piston-based volume compensators that are ineffective in certain environments.
Innovation Solution
A quick coupling assembly with a volume displacement passage that expels trapped seawater through a vent passage, eliminating the need for a chamber and piston, ensuring seawater does not ingress into the standard coupling and maintaining seal integrity regardless of connection environment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a piston-based volume compensator is used to accommodate trapped seawater, then the coupling can handle volume changes, but the device complexity increases and the system becomes ineffective in certain environments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the piston and chamber mechanism entirely, extracting the problematic complex components while retaining the essential volume compensation function through a simpler direct displacement passage design that allows trapped seawater to be accommodated without mechanical moving parts
Solution Approach 2:
The volume displacement passage is segmented into multiple pathways including a primary passage and an alternative passage, allowing trapped seawater to be routed through different paths depending on the connection state, providing volume compensation without complex mechanics
2Adaptability or versatility
If the coupling is moved after subsea connection, then operational flexibility is improved, but seal damage occurs due to marine growth and calciferous deposits
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary action by establishing a sealed connection before any movement occurs. The coupling design ensures that seals are engaged and protected in advance, preventing marine growth and deposits from compromising seal integrity during subsequent movements or operations
3Adaptability or versatility
If a chamber and piston system is implemented to manage trapped volume, then volume compensation is achieved, but the manufacturing complexity and potential for failure increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the chamber and piston system, replacing it with a integrated volume displacement passage that is manufactured as part of the coupling body itself, significantly simplifying the manufacturing process while maintaining trapped volume management capability
Solution Approach 2:
The volume displacement passage is merged with the coupling body structure, combining the functions of the coupling mechanism and the volume compensation system into a single integrated component, reducing manufacturing steps and potential failure points
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
Prevents seawater ingress and maintains seal integrity by mechanically moving the valve component, reducing the risk of damage from marine growth and calciferous deposits, and ensuring consistent operation whether connected topside or subsea.
Implementation Method 1
the first valve and the coupling body defining a volume displacement passage... When the second coupling element is inserted into the first coupling element, the second coupling element mechanically acts on the first valve of the first coupling element to expel contaminants from the quick coupling assembly through the vent passage of the volume displacement passage
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
A quick coupling assembly includes a first coupling element (10) and a second coupling element (50) that is inserted into the first coupling element. The first coupling element has a coupling body (12) and a valve (20), which define a volume displacement passage. When the second coupling element (50) is inserted, the second coupling element mechanically acts on the valve (20) to expel contaminants from the quick coupling assembly via the volume displacement passage. The valve includes a poppet (22) and a biasing spring (24), and the volume displacement passage includes a leak path (66) defined between the coupling body and the poppet. The poppet has an inward contour (68) that is spaced apart from the coupling body to define the leak path. The poppet has a widened portion (70) that provides a sealing surface when the assembly is fully coupled. The second coupling element (50) mechanically acts on the poppet (22) during insertion to expel the contaminants via the volume displacement passage.