Ball Valve Fluid Connector With Spring Pin Leak Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid connectors have complex structures and are prone to leakage due to improper engagement and control mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A simplified fluid connector design featuring a shell with a ball valve, a control element, and a pin member supported by a resilient member, which engages with a matching connector through an engagement hole to ensure secure locking and prevent leakage by controlling the ball valve's position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a fluid connector uses a complex structure with multiple units and components, then the engagement and control mechanisms can be more comprehensive, but the structure becomes complicated and more prone to leakage
Solution Approach 1:
The fluid connector is divided into distinct functional modules: a ball valve mechanism for flow control, a pin member for engagement detection, and a resilient member for providing mechanical force. Each module performs a specific function independently, simplifying the overall structure while maintaining comprehensive engagement and control capabilities
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the essential engagement and control functions from complex multi-unit connectors, retaining only the critical components needed for reliable operation. The ball valve, pin member, and resilient member form a minimal set of components that achieve both secure engagement and effective flow control without unnecessary complexity
2Ease of manufacture
If a fluid connector uses a simplified structure with fewer components, then the structure becomes easier to manufacture, but the engagement and control mechanisms may become insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The resilient member automatically provides the necessary mechanical force to extend the pin member into the engagement hole without requiring additional actuators or complex control mechanisms. The ball valve self-regulates flow based on its position, eliminating the need for separate control systems and simplifying manufacturing while ensuring reliable engagement
3Reliability
If the pin member is always extended to engage the engagement hole, then secure locking is achieved, but the control element cannot rotate the ball valve freely
Solution Approach 1:
The pin member transitions between extended and retracted positions dynamically based on engagement status. During engagement, the pin extends to lock securely; during operation, the pin retracts to allow free rotation of the ball valve. This dynamic behavior enables both secure locking and operational freedom without compromise
4Ease of operation
If the pin member is retracted to allow ball valve rotation, then ease of operation is improved, but secure locking cannot be maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The pin member undergoes periodic extension and retraction cycles: extended during engagement to provide secure locking, retracted during operation to allow valve control freedom. This periodic action between two states enables the system to alternate between locking security and operational ease as needed
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
The design effectively prevents leakage by ensuring proper engagement and secure locking between connectors, maintaining fluid integrity through controlled rotation of the ball valve.
Implementation Method 1
A resilient member is arranged in the accommodating hole for supporting the pin member. The pin member is resiliently supported by the resilient member and extending out of the accommodating hole
Implementation Method 2
a ball valve accommodated in the shell and having a through hole... the through hole is in fluid communication with the fluid channel when the ball valve is at the open position
Data Source
AI summary
A fluid connector includes a shell having a fluid channel, a ball valve accommodated in the shell and having a through hole, a control element arranged outside the shell for controlling the ball valve to rotate, and a pin member. A front end of the shell for engaging a matching connector has an engagement hole. The control element controls the ball valve between a closed position and an open position. The through hole is in fluid communication with the fluid channel when the ball valve is at the open position. A front face of the shell has an accommodating hole for accommodating the pin member. A resilient member is arranged in the accommodating hole for supporting the pin member. The pin member is adapted to be guided by a guide structure and compress the resilient member to separate from the engagement hole of the matching connector.