Annular Fluid Port Coupling for Compact Leak-Tight Connections
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fitting assemblies for fluid devices require a tube and large axial components, such as inner rings and union nuts, to connect fluid devices, which occupy space and hinder the close installation of these devices.
Innovation Solution
A fitting assembly that connects fluid devices using annular members with couplers and a connector, eliminating the need for a tube by sealing the gap between the connector and ports, allowing for closer placement and reducing installation space.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a tube and large axial components (inner rings and union nuts) are used to connect fluid devices, then the connection is reliable and fluid flow is enabled, but the installation space increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connector integrates multiple functions into a single component: it provides fluid passage, sealing surfaces, and coupling interfaces. The first and second coupling portions are merged with the connector body, eliminating the need for separate inner rings and union nuts, thereby reducing installation space while maintaining connection reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The tube is extracted from the connection assembly by directly forming fluid passages within the connector body. The first and second fluid passages are integrated into the connector, eliminating the need for an external tube to connect the fluid devices, thus reducing the overall installation space
2Strength
If additional components (tube, inner rings, union nuts) are used for connection, then the connection structure is robust, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connector combines multiple components into one integrated part: the coupling interfaces, sealing surfaces, and fluid passages are all merged into the single connector body. This reduces the number of parts from multiple components (tube, inner rings, union nuts) to a single connector, simplifying the connection structure while maintaining strength through proper design of the integrated features
Solution Approach 2:
The connector serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides fluid passage (first and second fluid passages), sealing (first and second sealing surfaces), and mechanical coupling (first and second coupling portions). This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate specialized components, reducing complexity while maintaining connection robustness
Data Source
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AI summary
A fitting assembly for fluid device includes a first port (11), a second port (12), a first annular member (13), a second annular member (14), and a connector (15). The first port (11) is annular and installed at a first fluid device (1) to be connected with its first fluid channel (21). The second port (12) is annular and installed at a second fluid device (2) to be connected with its second fluid channel (25). The first annular member is installed at the first port and has a first coupler (53). The second annular member is installed at the second port and has a second coupler (54) to be coupled with the first coupler (53) to fix the second annular member to the first annular member. The connector is installed between the first port and the second port and seals gaps between the connector and the first and second ports.