Valve-Integrated Fluid Couplings for Spill-Free Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid couplings with internal valve components have complex assembly processes that increase manufacturing costs and may lead to fluid spillage, air inclusion, and material loss during connection and disconnection.
Innovation Solution
Design of fluid couplings with minimal component parts, featuring a spring and a valve member with deflectable elements that allow for efficient assembly and prevent spillage by blocking fluid flow when disconnected, while ensuring a robust latching system for easy connection and disconnection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If fluid couplings include internal valve components with multiple component parts, then the couplings can selectively block or allow fluid flow, but the assembly process becomes complex and manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple valve components into a single integrated valve member that includes the valve body, deflectable elements, and seal groove portion as one piece. This merging eliminates the need for separate assembly of multiple valve parts, simplifying the assembly process while maintaining the functionality to selectively block or allow fluid flow through the coupling.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve member is designed as a multi-functional component that simultaneously provides fluid flow control, sealing, and self-latching capabilities. The deflectable elements serve both as flow control mechanisms and as indicators of valve status, while the integrated design performs multiple functions that would traditionally require separate components.
2Productivity
If fluid couplings are quickly connected or disconnected, then operational efficiency improves, but fluid spillage and air inclusion may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The valve member is designed to automatically close the fluid passage before the male and female couplings are fully disconnected. This preliminary action of closing the valve prevents fluid spillage and air inclusion during the disconnection process, allowing for quick operation without sacrificing sealing integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The deflectable elements provide self-latching functionality that automatically maintains the valve in the closed position during disconnection. The spring-loaded deflectable elements self-actuate to close the passage and maintain sealing without requiring external control mechanisms, enabling rapid connection and disconnection while preventing fluid loss.
3Reliability
If the valve member outer diameter is larger than the end opening inner diameter, then the valve provides better sealing, but the valve cannot be inserted through the end opening during assembly
Solution Approach 1:
The valve member incorporates deflectable elements that can dynamically change their configuration between a relaxed state (providing sealing contact) and a compressed state (reducing diameter for insertion). During assembly, the deflectable elements are compressed to allow the valve member to pass through the end opening, then return to their relaxed sealing configuration once positioned, enabling both easy assembly and effective sealing.
Solution Approach 2:
The outer diameter of the valve member is made variable through the use of spring-loaded deflectable elements. The parameters of the valve member's dimensions are changed by compressing the spring, which reduces the outer diameter to enable insertion through the smaller end opening, then the spring expands to restore the larger diameter for proper sealing engagement with the fluid passage.
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 reduces manufacturing costs, minimizes fluid spillage and air inclusion, provides tactile feedback, and ensures efficient assembly, making the couplings economical and reliable for fluid handling.
Implementation Method 1
a spring disposed in the internal space... The spring biases the valve member to the closed position
Implementation Method 2
The deflectable elements are radially deflectable between: (i) a compressed configuration in which an outer diameter of the deflectable elements is less than an inner diameter of the opening and (ii) a relaxed configuration in which the outer diameter of the deflectable elements is greater than the inner diameter of the opening
Data Source
AI summary
Fluid couplings described herein are designed be assembled efficiently and economically. In example embodiments, the fluid couplings are designed with minimal component parts so that the fluid couplings are additionally economical to produce. In some embodiments, the fluid couplings described herein include internal valve components. Some such fluid couplings are designed to prevent spillage of fluid when connecting and disconnecting the couplings.