Quick Pipe Coupling With Pressure-Balancing Gasket Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing quick coupling systems for pressurized pipes face issues with abrupt pressure differentials, leading to stress on sealing gaskets, potential leaks, and accelerated deterioration, especially in applications like electronic cooling and flammable apparatuses, due to the exposure of gaskets to fluid pressure during connection and disconnection.
Innovation Solution
A quick coupling system featuring a male and female element with a cylindrical body and a valve, where a passage channel is designed to gradually reduce pressure on the sealing gasket during connection, preventing abrupt exposure to fluid pressure and minimizing leaks by creating a local leak before complete opening, thus maintaining gasket integrity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the sealing gasket is directly exposed to the fluid stream during coupling connection, then the fluid communication between the two coupling elements is established quickly, but the gasket undergoes significant stress and may be stretched or driven against the housing shoulder, causing potential leaks and accelerated deterioration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a balancing phase with a balancing seal that activates before the main sealing gasket is exposed to full fluid pressure. This preliminary action gradually equalizes pressure between the two coupling elements, preventing abrupt pressure differential that would stretch or drive the main gasket against the housing shoulder. The balancing seal creates a controlled pressure transition that protects the main gasket while still enabling quick connection.
2Ease of operation
If the pressure differential between the two pipes is significant during coupling, then the connection can be made quickly, but the sealing gasket is subjected to abrupt pressure increase causing it to be stretched and driven by pressure against the shoulder of the housing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a balancing seal as an intermediary element between the fluid stream and the main sealing gasket. This balancing seal creates a balancing phase that gradually equalizes pressure before the main gasket is fully exposed to the fluid stream. The intermediary balancing seal absorbs the initial pressure differential, preventing abrupt pressure increase on the main gasket while maintaining simple coupling operation.
3Reliability
If the gasket is located across the inside of its housing during balancing, then the sealing is maintained, but in the unfavorable case the gasket comes completely out of its housing causing leaks at the front face during disconnection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a balancing phase with a balancing seal that cushions the pressure transition before the main gasket is fully exposed to the fluid stream. This beforehand cushioning prevents the gasket from being abruptly driven out of its housing by creating a controlled pressure equalization process. The balancing seal ensures that pressure increases gradually, keeping the gasket positioned correctly and preventing expulsion during the connection process.
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
The solution effectively mitigates the stress on sealing gaskets, reduces the risk of leaks, and prolongs the lifespan of the coupling by gradually managing pressure changes during the connection process, ensuring reliable sealing and preventing gasket expulsion.
Implementation Method 1
a passage channel is designed to gradually reduce pressure on the sealing gasket during connection, preventing abrupt exposure to fluid pressure
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a quick coupling, made up of a male element and a female element. The male element includes a cylindrical male body, defining a longitudinal cavity, a distal mouth, and a valve movable axially inside the cavity between a forward position in which the valve closes off the mouth and a withdrawn position in which the valve does not close off the mouth. The female element includes a cylindrical female body, defining a longitudinal cavity and a distal mouth, a push-piece, and a slide valve. The male body or the push-piece delimits a fluid passage channel connecting an inside of the cavity to the distal mouth, and the passage channel, emerging inside the cavity of the male element or the female element, fits inside a circle, the diameter of which is respectively larger or smaller than that of the first and second sealing gaskets.