Anchoring Ring Access for Damage-Free Fluid Connector Removal

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing fluid connection devices damage circuit elements during extraction, leading to reduced anchoring performance and potential fluid pollution due to material shavings.

Innovation Solution

A connection device with a hooking ring and insert, where the ring's teeth are inclined to facilitate easy extraction and a pin is used to secure the ring for rotation, preventing damage and pollution by creating a screw thread-like motion.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If the hooking ring is used to anchor the insert in the well, then the insert can be securely fixed, but the ring damages the well surface during extraction

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveanchoring strengthVSAvoiddamage to well surface
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a pin as an intermediary element that temporarily connects the hooking ring to the insert during extraction. This pin allows the ring to be guided and controlled during the removal process, preventing it from rubbing directly against and damaging the well surface while still maintaining the anchoring function during normal operation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs preliminary action by preparing the extraction process in advance through the use of a notched tool that engages with the hooking ring's notch. This tool is inserted before extraction begins, establishing a controlled connection that prevents damage during the subsequent removal operation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Ease of operation

If the hooking ring is extracted by unscrewing the insert, then the insert can be removed, but material shavings pollute the fluid

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveextraction easeVSAvoidfluid pollution from shavings
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The notched tool acts as an intermediary that engages with the hooking ring's notch to provide a controlled extraction path. This prevents the ring from tearing against the well surface and generating harmful shavings that would pollute the fluid

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the traditional unscrewing mechanical action with a sliding motion along an inclined plane. The teeth on the hooking ring engage with the inclined surface of the notched tool, converting the extraction motion from rotational unscrewing to linear sliding, which eliminates shavings generation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Ease of operation

If the teeth of the hooking ring are inclined to facilitate extraction, then the ring slides more easily, but the structure becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveextraction easeVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The hooking ring is segmented into distinct functional elements: the anchoring teeth with inclined faces for engagement, the body of the ring for structural integrity, and the notch for tool engagement. This segmentation allows each part to perform its specific function efficiently while keeping the overall design relatively simple

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP4048910B1Connection device with external access to an anchoring ring, corresponding assembly and removal method
Publication Date: 2023.11.01 PARKER HANNIFIN EMEA SARL
  • EP4048910B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4048910B1 patent drawingFigure 2a~2b
  • EP4048910B1 patent drawingFigure 2c~3a

AI summary

The invention relates to a device for connecting a first circuit element to a second circuit element, the device comprising an insert provided externally with means for anchoring in a well of the first circuit element, the anchoring means comprising a hooking ring (26) provided with teeth (28) projecting externally from a body of the ring to come into contact with the well, the portions of the teeth in contact with the well extending in a slope between two axial ends of the well and the ring being mounted freely rotatable in a groove of the insert, the insert comprising at least one notch through which the ring can be accessed from outside the device when the device connects the first circuit element to the second circuit element in order to provide therein a temporary arrangement of at least one pin for rotatably securing the ring to the insert. Corresponding assembly and removal method.