Fluid coupling assembly that is self-aligning, self-sealing and contains a bellow ball and socket coupling for quick attach and release is highly reliable and can handle cryogenic fluids where icing is encountered. The fluid coupling assembly is used in many fluid systems but is particularly applicable to cryogenic systems

Herold, C. P.

Stahley, S. D.

English

NASA Technical Reports Server

December 1966	 Brief 66-10627 
NASA TECH BRIEF	
a 
NASA Tech Briefs are issued to summarize specific innovations derived from the U.S. space program, 
to encourage their commercial application. Copies are available to the public at 15 cents each 
from the Clearinghouse for Federal Scientific and Technical Information, Springfield, Virginia 22151. 
Quick Attach and Release Fluid Coupling Assembly Is Self-Aligning, Self-Sealing 
Grooved Rod
Quick Attach And 
Knife Edge	 Release Mechanism 
Seat Ring
Pneumatic 
Pressure 
Connection 
Female 
Connection 
Bar Support 
Bracket
Handwheel 
The problem: 
To design a quick attach and release fluid coupling 
assembly that is highly reliable and can handle cryo-
genic fluids where icing is encountered. Lipseal cylin-
der-type couplings, which were used for cryogenic 
applications, were subject to leakage and misalign-
ment and were sensitive to icing and freezing condi-
tions. They were unreliable during test and practically 
impossible to reconnect and seal when frozen. Major 
coupling components had to be replaced after a 
limited number of tests.
The solution: 
A fluid coupling assembly that is self-aligning, self-
sealing and contains a bellow ball and socket coupling 
for quick attach and release. 
How it's done: 
The coupling assembly consists of three basic units: 
the female portion, the male portion, and the securing 
mechanism. The female connection is a conical frus-
trum with a seal ring mounted around the inner 
surface. The male connection engages the knife edge 
of the female connection's seal ring. Since the male 
(continued overleaf) 
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Aeronautics and Space Administration. Neither the United States 	 information contained in this document, or warrants that such use 
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https://ntrs.nasa.gov/search.jsp?R=19660000625 2020-03-11T17:46:02+00:00Z
connection is spherical, the longitudinal centerlines 
of the coupling halves need not be parallel or aligned 
to assure proper sealing and operation. The male 
portion of the coupling is initially seated against the 
female by rotating the handwheel until the spherical 
male connection engages the conical female connec-
tion. When fluid under pressure is introduced into 
the coupling, the bellows will expand, applying addi-
tional pressure to the mating surfaces of the coupling. 
Decoupling is initiated when pneumatic pressure 
to the quick attach and release mechanism forces it 
from the grooved rod. 
Notes: 
1. The coupling assembly is believed to be unique 
because: (a) the conical and spherical mating 
surfaces eliminate alignment problems, permitting 
leak-free coupling and positive coupling separa-
tion; (b) the knife edge of the ring seal removes 
ice present at the mating surface; and (c) the 
handwheel assures proper seating initially, and 
the bellows assures proper seating as fluid under 
varying pressures flows through the coupling.
2. The fluid coupling assembly could be used in 
many fluid systems, but is particularly applicable 
to cryogenic systems. 
3. Inquiries concerning this invention may be di-
rected to: 
Technology Utilization Officer 
Kennedy Space Center 
Kennedy Space Center, Florida 32899 
Reference: B66-10627 
Patent status: 
This invention is owned by NASA, and a patent

application has been filed. Royalty-free, non-exclusive

licenses for its commercial use will be granted by

NASA. Inquiries concerning license rights should be

made to NASA, Code GP, Washington, D.C. 20546.
Source: C. P. Herold and S. D. Stahley

(KSC-66-8) 
Brief 66-10627	 Category 05


Quick attach and release fluid coupling assembly is self-aligning, self-sealing

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