Multi-purpose Wet-mate Connector with Self-Actuating Valves
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connection regimes in the resource recovery industry are not adaptable to changing requirements and working conditions, failing to provide efficient and reliable connections for fluids, electrical, and optic connections in various operational scenarios.
Innovation Solution
A connection system comprising male and female connector portions with housings, valves, and valve actuators, where housing extensions from one connector interact with the valve actuators of the other to open the valves during mating, ensuring efficient alignment and actuation, and optionally includes debris barriers and biasing members for automatic closure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If existing connection regimes are used, then connections can be made for fluid, electrical, and optic transmission, but they fail to adapt to changing requirements and working conditions, reducing reliability and efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is designed as a multi-purpose through conduit wet-mate connector that can handle fluid, electrical, and optic connections through a single unified interface. The connector housing includes a through conduit that accommodates multiple types of transmission media, allowing one connector to perform multiple functions that previously required separate connection regimes, thereby improving adaptability while maintaining reliability through standardized design
Solution Approach 2:
The connector incorporates a dynamic valve actuation mechanism where the valve actuator can be actuated during the mating process itself. The valve transitions from a closed state during connection to an open state after mating, allowing the connector to adapt its flow control characteristics based on the connection status. This dynamic behavior enables the connector to respond to changing working conditions while maintaining reliable connections
2Loss of substance
If valves are actuated during mating, then fluid loss is minimized, but the device complexity increases due to additional valve actuators and housing extensions
Solution Approach 1:
The valve actuator is integrated directly into the connector housing structure, with the housing extension serving dual purposes: providing structural support and acting as the actuation mechanism for the valve. The valve actuator is positioned such that the actuation force is applied through the existing mating motion, combining the connection function with the valve actuation function. This merging reduces the need for separate actuation systems and minimizes fluid loss during connection without proportionally increasing complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The connector performs self-actuation of the valve during the mating process. The actuation force is generated by the mating motion itself, where the movement of one connector relative to the other automatically triggers the valve to transition from closed to open state. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for external actuation systems, reducing device complexity while effectively minimizing fluid loss during connection
3Productivity
If housing extensions interact with valve actuators, then alignment and actuation efficiency are improved, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The housing extension and valve actuator are designed with asymmetric geometries that provide inherent alignment guidance during the mating process. The extension features shaped surfaces that mate with corresponding features on the valve actuator, creating a self-aligning mechanism. This asymmetric design ensures that the connectors align correctly as they come together, improving connection efficiency while reducing the need for extremely tight manufacturing tolerances, as the geometry itself guides the alignment
Data Source
AI summary
A connection system including a male connector portion and a female connector portion each including a housing, a valve disposed within the housing, a valve actuator operably connected to the valve, and a housing extension, the housing extension from the male connector portion being configured to interact with the valve actuator of the female connector portion to open the valve of the female connector portion during mating of the male and female connector portions.