Connection state sensing for coupling device
AssigneeColder Products Company
InventorWilliam John Rankin
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A coupling device includes a main body defining a fluid flow passage, and a valve member moveable between an unconnected state and a connected state. The coupling device also includes a magnet coupled to the valve member, and a sensor coupled to the main body, the sensor being configured to sense a change in a magnetic flux of the magnet as the valve member moves between the unconnected state and the connected state to determine a connection state of the coupling device.
Claims16
A coupling device, comprising:
- a main body defining a fluid flow passage;
- a valve member moveable between a plurality of connection states including an unconnected state, a partially connected state, and a connected state;
- a magnet coupled to one of the valve member or the main body;
- and
- a sensor coupled to an other of the valve member or the main body, the sensor configured to estimate a connection state of the coupling device including the unconnected state, the partially connected state, and the connected state by sensing a change in magnetic flux upon valve member displacement.
A fluid coupling system, the system comprising:
- a first coupling device connected to a source of a fluid;
- and
- a second coupling device connected to a destination of the fluid, the second coupling device including:
- a main body defining a fluid flow passage;
- a valve member moveable between a plurality of connection states including at least an unconnected state, a partially connected state, and a connected state;
- a spring coupled to the valve member, the spring biasing the valve member to a closed position;
- a magnet coupled to the valve member, the magnet encapsulated within a cover comprising a material compatible with the fluid in the source;
- and
- a sensor coupled to the main body, the sensor configured to estimate a connection state of the coupling device including each of the plurality of connection states by sensing a change in magnetic flux upon valve member displacement;
- wherein the first coupling device is connected to the second coupling device so that the valve member is pushed into the main body from the unconnected state to the connected state.
A method of estimating a connection state of a coupling device, the method comprising:
- positioning an encapsulated magnet on a first component of the coupling device;
- positioning a sensor on a second component of the coupling device;
- allowing the first component to move relative to the second component as the coupling device is connected;
- and
- estimating the connection state of the coupling device by measuring a change in an angle of a magnetic flux of the magnet.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.