Ball-Joint Coaxial Keg Connector for Crack-Resistant Stem Loading
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing coaxial connectors for kegs are prone to cracking due to undue loading during keg changes, particularly when improper disconnection methods apply excessive upward and lateral forces, causing stress between the stem and main body made of brittle plastic.
Innovation Solution
A ball joint is rotatably mounted and sealed within the main body, allowing limited rotation about the main axis and perpendicular axes, with a conical face and bearing face providing additional contact points to distribute stress, reducing the likelihood of deformation or dislodgment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the connector uses a rigid plastic main body for structural integrity, then manufacturing precision and ease of manufacture are improved, but reliability deteriorates due to cracking under undue loading
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a ball joint mechanism that allows the stem to rotate and move dynamically relative to the main body. This dynamic capability enables the connector to absorb undue lateral forces through rotational movement rather than rigid resistance, preventing cracking while maintaining structural integrity. The ball joint converts static rigid connections into dynamic articulated connections that can adapt to improper handling forces.
2Device complexity
If the connector is designed with a fixed rigid connection between stem and main body, then device complexity is reduced, but reliability deteriorates due to stress concentrations under lateral loading
Solution Approach 1:
The ball joint acts as an intermediary element between the stem and the main body. Instead of directly connecting these two components with a rigid joint, the ball joint mediates the connection, allowing relative movement and absorbing stresses. This intermediary mechanism protects the brittle plastic main body from cracking while maintaining a relatively simple overall device structure.
3Reliability
If the connector allows rotational movement to absorb lateral forces, then reliability is improved by preventing cracking, but device complexity increases due to additional joint mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The ball joint provides rotational freedom that allows the stem to move dynamically in response to lateral forces. This dynamic capability enables the connector to absorb improper handling forces through controlled rotation rather than rigid resistance, preventing cracking while maintaining relatively simple construction.
Solution Approach 2:
The ball joint changes the mechanical parameters of the connection from fixed rigid to articulated movable. This parameter change allows the system to accommodate lateral forces through rotational degrees of freedom, improving reliability without requiring complex active control mechanisms or multiple components.
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
This design significantly prolongs the connector's lifetime by mitigating the primary failure mode of cracking, ensuring stable engagement and reduced stress concentrations during handling and keg changes.
Implementation Method 1
the stem comprising a ball joint rotatably mounted in and sealed with respect to the main body so as to be rotatable about the main axis of the tubular body and rotatable to a limited extent about axes perpendicular to the main axis
Data Source
AI summary
An coaxial keg connector comprising a main body (1) made of plastic and having a first inlet port (3) and a second inlet port (3) receiving a stem (2). A coaxial outlet (10) comprises an outer outlet port (11) in communication with the first inlet port (3) and an inner outlet port (12) in communication with the second inlet port. The stem (2) comprises a tubular body with a main axis (31) with an inlet and a connector for attachment to the keg at one end. The second end of the stem opposite to the first end has an outlet in fluid communication with the inner outlet port (12) and comprises a ball joint (61) rotatably mounted in and sealed with respect to the main body (1) so as to be rotatable (12) about the main axis (31) of the tubular body and rotatable (67, 68) to a limited extent about axes perpendicular to the main axis.