Valve Coupling Assembly With Independent Valve Actuation During Disengagement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing valve coupling assemblies result in significant fluid loss and air trapping during disengagement for maintenance, due to shared axial travel of pistons in the connectors, leading to potential malfunctions.
Innovation Solution
A valve coupling assembly design where each fluid line connector has a dedicated push element to independently open its corresponding valve, allowing the full travel distance of the connectors to be utilized without shared movement, and includes self-closing valves and optional venting to minimize fluid loss and air entrapment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of substance
If pistons are arranged in the fluid channel of both coupling halves to close valves during disengagement, then fluid loss is prevented, but the total axial travel of connectors must be split between both pistons requiring greater connector travel distance
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the valve actuation function from the connector coupling mechanism. Instead of using the connector axial travel to actuate both pistons simultaneously, a separate push element is introduced to actuate the valve piston independently. This allows the connector travel to be used fully for opening the valve while the push element handles the valve closure function during disengagement.
Solution Approach 2:
The push element acts as an intermediary between the connector and the valve piston. It transfers the closing force to the piston independently of the connector axial movement, allowing the valve to be actuated without consuming the connector travel distance that is needed for full valve opening during engagement.
2Ease of operation
If connectors are disengaged for maintenance, then maintenance access is enabled, but significant fluid loss occurs and air replaces the fluid in the fluid lines
Solution Approach 1:
The valve is actuated to the closed position before the connector disengagement is completed. The push element ensures the valve closes as the connector begins to separate, preventing fluid loss before it can occur during the disengagement process. This preliminary valve closure action protects the fluid system during maintenance operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve closing function is separated from the connector coupling/decoupling motion. By using a dedicated push element for valve actuation, the system can close the valve independently of the connector position, allowing the connector to be fully disengaged for maintenance while the valve remains closed to prevent fluid loss.
3Ease of operation
If air is trapped in the fluid line and coupling assembly during disengagement, then maintenance can be performed, but malfunctions occur until air is removed
Solution Approach 1:
The invention converts the potentially harmful effect of air entrapment by ensuring the valve closes before disengagement. This prevents air from entering the fluid line in the first place, transforming a potential reliability problem into a controlled condition where air entrapment is avoided entirely during maintenance operations.
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
Reduces fluid loss and air entrapment, ensuring seamless operation and reducing the risk of malfunctions by utilizing dedicated push elements and self-closing valves, while maintaining efficient fluid communication.
Implementation Method 1
the push element being configured to push the first valve from the closed state to the open state when the valve coupling assembly transfers from the disengaged to the operational state
Implementation Method 2
The valves comprise pistons that are arranged in the fluid channel of the valves. When the valve coupling assembly is separated, e.g. during maintenance, the springs push the pistons on the valve seat to close the valves.
Data Source
AI summary
A valve coupling assembly has a first fluid line connector coupled to a first fluid line and a second fluid line connector coupled to a second fluid line. In an operational state, the first and second fluid line connectors are engaged to each other for fluid communication between the first and second fluid lines. In a disengaged state, the first and second fluid line connectors are disengaged wherein the first and second fluid lines are disconnected. A first valve arranged in the first fluid line connector is configured to control a fluid flow in the first fluid line. In a closed state of the first valve, the first fluid line is sealed, and, in an open state of the first valve, the first fluid line is open. The second fluid line connector comprises at least one push element mounted to a body of the second fluid line connector.