Quick Pipe Coupling Seal Groove for Pressure Equalization
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing quick coupling systems for pressurized fluid pipes face challenges with sudden pressure equalization during connection, leading to stress on seals, potential leaks, and accelerated degradation, especially in applications like electronics cooling and oil handling.
Innovation Solution
A quick connector design featuring a male and female element with seals housed in peripheral grooves, allowing for a controlled leak during pressure equalization, preventing sudden exposure to fluid pressure and external leaks, with the seals maintaining contact in a balancing configuration to ensure secure fluid connection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If the seal is directly exposed to the fluid stream when the fitting is coupled, then the fluid channel opens quickly, but the seal is subjected to sudden pressure increase causing dislodgement and leaks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by creating a controlled leak path before full pressure equalization occurs. The leak path is formed by the distal edge of the peripheral groove allowing fluid to escape gradually during the balancing configuration, preventing sudden pressure surge that would dislodge the seal while still enabling relatively quick connection.
2Reliability
If the seal is protected from fluid pressure during connection, then the seal avoids sudden stress and dislodgement, but the device complexity increases with additional sealing sections
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by providing seal protection only where and when needed - during the balancing configuration. The peripheral groove with its offset distal edge creates a localized controlled leak path that protects the seal from sudden pressure surge without requiring complete additional sealing systems throughout the entire fitting.
3Reliability
If the seal is housed in a peripheral groove with offset planes, then the seal maintains contact during pressure equalization, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies beforehand cushioning by designing the peripheral groove with offset planes that anticipate and accommodate pressure surge before it fully develops. The offset distal edge creates a gradual pressure release mechanism that cushions the seal during the balancing configuration, preventing sudden stress while the groove geometry provides tolerance to manufacturing variations.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a quick-connect fitting (R) for the removable joining of two pipes (C1, C2) carrying a pressurized fluid, comprising a male element (100) and a female element (200). The male element (100) includes a first sealing gasket (110), which is carried by a valve or a male body and bears against an internal cylindrical wall (S102i) of the male body or an external cylindrical wall of the valve, respectively, when the valve is in the advanced position. The female element (200) includes a second sealing gasket (210), which is carried by one of the following components: a central plunger (208) integral with a female body, a spool (212), or a female body (202), and bears against another component of the spool, the plunger, or the female body, when the spool is in the advanced position. The first or second sealing gasket is housed within a peripheral groove.A proximal or distal edge of the peripheral throat extends between two planes perpendicular to a longitudinal axis (X100; X200) of the male or female element, respectively between a proximal plane and a distal plane, which are offset from each other along the longitudinal axis.