Ball Valve Fluid Connector With Pin-Locked Leak Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid connectors have complex structures with multiple components, leading to potential leakage issues and manufacturing challenges.
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, allowing for secure engagement and rotation of the ball valve to prevent leakage through a three-position pin mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a fluid connector uses multiple components (shell, ball valve, handle, detecting pin, locking pin, roller element) to ensure secure engagement and prevent leakage, then the reliability of leakage prevention is improved, but the device complexity increases and manufacturing becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple previously separate components into an integrated structure. The control element is merged with the ball valve assembly, and the pin member is integrated into the shell structure. The resilient member is incorporated directly into the accommodating hole of the shell, eliminating the need for separate housing structures for these components.
Solution Approach 2:
The pin member serves multiple functions: it acts as a detecting pin to sense engagement status, a locking pin to prevent unauthorized operation, and an engagement feature to interface with the matching connector. The control element both operates the ball valve and provides structural support for the pin member mechanism.
2Reliability
If a fluid connector uses multiple components and complicated structure to ensure secure engagement, then the reliability of leakage prevention is improved, but the ease of manufacture deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple previously separate components into an integrated structure. The control element is merged with the ball valve assembly, and the pin member is integrated into the shell structure. The resilient member is incorporated directly into the accommodating hole of the shell, eliminating the need for separate housing structures for these components.
3Reliability
If the pin member is positioned to extend out of the accommodating hole to prevent control element rotation, then the reliability of preventing unauthorized valve operation is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates when engagement is required
Solution Approach 1:
The pin member transitions between fixed and movable states based on engagement conditions. When the fluid connector is unengaged, the pin member is held in the extended position by the resilient member to prevent unauthorized operation. When engaged with a matching connector, the pin member can be pushed inward by the engagement force, allowing the control element to rotate freely and operate the ball valve.
Solution Approach 2:
The resilient member automatically adjusts the pin member position based on engagement status. When the matching connector is engaged, the mechanical force from engagement automatically pushes the pin member inward without requiring manual intervention. When disengaged, the resilient member automatically returns the pin member to the extended blocking position.
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 the ball valve remains closed unless intentionally opened, accommodating different connector structures, and simplifies manufacturing with fewer components.
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 positioned at a first position extending out of the accommodating hole
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 obstructs the rotation of the control element unless it is in a set position.