Aerospace Non Latching Miniature Couplings Series | Parker Stratoflex
Parker Stratoflex offers a range of non-latching miniature coupling designs, materials, and features for fluid system applications. Non-latching (non-locking) couplings are commonly used in aerospace, commercial, and military fluid cooling systems to provide modularity for key components such as electronics boxes and rack systems. They ensure fast, reliable connection to open fluid flow when the coupling halves are fully engaged. The miniature series non-latching couplings are equivalent to size -2 (1/8 inch tube) for fluid flow area and have maximum outside diameter of less the ½ (.500) inch.
Locking the coupling halves in place typically requires some form of external retention and latch. The miniature series couplings are often used in modular electronic boxes or cards that install into a rack or chassis which provides the cooling fluid. These couplings make the connection between the rack coupling half and the module (or box) coupling half to allow fluid flow when fully engaged. Self-aligning valving allows for manufacturing tolerances to be accommodated and the coupling halves to align properly during connection.
Self-sealing valving prevents fluid spillage and leakage when the coupling halves are disconnected. Parker uses precision valving design, common in many of Stratoflex coupling products, to provide optimum fluid flow characteristics.
Stratoflex non-latching couplings have excellent aerospace service history, proven reliability, efficient small envelope size, light weight, and low pressure drop to offer the right solution in today’s fluid system applications.
The miniature series couplings feature a pressure-relief valve option built into the module half, which provides the pressure relief or fluid relief due to thermal expansion when the coupling half is disconnected. The pressure-relief valve feature prevents damage from over pressurization on the module side, and reseals when the pressure is reduced below the relief valve cracking pressure.
The pressure-relief feature in the module coupling half also enables connection of the coupling halves or sets (inlet and outlet) when the module (coupling) side may contain a locked volume of fluid with little or no area for the fluid to be displaced during connection. This is commonly found on the module or removable box side of electronics cooling systems.
The miniature series couplings are available in anodized aluminum alloy for lightweight body construction or stainless steel material coupling bodies for applications where this material is preferred.
Consult with Parker Stratoflex for your specific requirements, to confirm part numbers, and for information on available products that may meet your application needs.
Features & Attributes
- Precision sealing, no leakage or spillage during connect and disconnect
- Self-aligning valving allows for installation and connection alignment within specified values, typically +/- 0.025 inch off centerline
- Efficient size and flow rate combination for with low pressure drop valving design
- Lightweight design and material options
- Proven service history and reliability
- Primary construction in anodized aluminum alloy or corrosion resistant stainless steel
Applications
Parker Stratoflex non-locking couplings are currently used on aerospace system applications for cooling fluids including polyalphaolefins (PAO), ethylene glycol-water, propylene glycol-water, hydrofluoroether (HFE), CF, R-134A, and other system fluids. Applications include both military and commercial aircraft, along with military ground vehicles.
Optional Features
The relief valve feature can be incorporated in Parker Stratoflex’s Quick Disconnect Couplings (QDC) for applications which may require pressure and fluid relief for the certain system applications. This feature is typically incorporated in the module half of the miniature coupling series to prevent damage due to over pressurization when disconnected and the internal fluid volume is exposed to elevated temperature.