Adjustable Fluid Connector Locking for Sealed Filter Installation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connectors for fluid circulating systems face challenges in securely and easily diverting fluid flow to auxiliary devices like filters, especially when the relative position and orientation of pipework vary and access is restricted, making it difficult to achieve a stable and sealed in-line connection.
Innovation Solution
A connector with a body having an inlet and outlet port, an auxiliary port for the device, and a collar with locking mechanisms that allow for relative movement and rotation, ensuring secure engagement with the auxiliary device while maintaining a seal, even when the connector and device are adjusted in various orientations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a rigid fixed connection is used between connector and auxiliary device, then connection stability is improved, but adaptability to different orientations and positions is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The connector incorporates a dynamic coupling mechanism between the connector body and auxiliary device that allows relative movement in specific directions while maintaining connection stability. The coupling includes degrees of freedom that enable adjustment to different orientations and positions, while locking mechanisms maintain stability when positioned.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection system is divided into separate functional components: a connector body, an auxiliary device, and a coupling mechanism with locking means. This segmentation allows the coupling mechanism to provide both adaptability through relative movement and stability through selective locking, resolving the contradiction between rigid fixation and orientation flexibility.
2Reliability
If multiple locking mechanisms are used to secure the connection, then connection reliability is improved, but device complexity is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism includes resilient members that automatically engage with engagement structures when the connector and auxiliary device are assembled. The resilient members provide self-locking functionality without requiring additional actuators or complex control systems, thereby maintaining connection reliability while minimizing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling mechanism acts as an intermediary between the connector body and auxiliary device, providing the locking function through a standardized interface. This intermediary component consolidates the locking functionality into a single mechanism that manages multiple locking points, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining reliability.
3Ease of operation
If the connector allows relative movement and rotation, then ease of installation is improved, but connection stability is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling mechanism provides dynamic characteristics during installation, allowing relative movement and rotation between the connector body and auxiliary device to accommodate misalignment and facilitate easy installation. Once installed, locking mechanisms engage to provide stability, thus resolving the contradiction between installation ease and connection stability.
4Reliability
If a seal is maintained during adjustment movements, then reliability is improved, but ease of operation is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing system employs flexible sealing elements that can accommodate relative movement and rotation between the connector body and auxiliary device during installation and adjustment. These flexible seals maintain the fluid barrier throughout the adjustment range, allowing easy operation while preserving sealing reliability without requiring rigid fixed connections.
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
Enables secure, adjustable, and sealed connections between the connector and auxiliary device, allowing for easy fitting and adjustment in different orientations without fluid leakage, even at full system pressure, enhancing the versatility and reliability of fluid diversion and return in fluid circulating systems.
Implementation Method 1
the first and second locking means each comprise a resilient member locatable on the collar and releasably engageable with the auxiliary device
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
A connector (10) is provided for connecting an auxiliary device (46), such as a filter, to a fluid circulating system, such as a central heating system. The connector (10) comprises a body (12) with inlet and outlet ports (14, 16), suitable for connection to the fluid circulating system, and an auxiliary port suitable for connection to the auxiliary device (46). The auxiliary port has a central axis and diverts fluid from the inlet (14) to the auxiliary device (46) and returns fluid therefrom to the outlet port (16). A collar (22) surrounds the auxiliary port. First and second releasable locking means (56, 58) secure the collar (22) to the auxiliary device (46). The locking means (56, 58) are arranged such that when both are locked relative movement between the connector (10) and the auxiliary device (46) is prevented. However, when the first locking means is released and the second locking means is locked, relative rotation between the connector (10) and the auxiliary device (46) about the central axis is permitted, and a predetermined amount of relative movement along the axis is also permitted. In this way, the connector (10) can be fitted in a variety of orientations relative to the auxiliary device (46) and angular relative adjustment is possible while the two remain connected and sealed.