Blind-Mate Fluid Connector With Elastic Locking and Leak Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid connectors for high-pressure applications are cumbersome and time-consuming due to requiring alignment or threaded connections, leading to inefficiencies in connecting and disconnecting processes.
Innovation Solution
A quick-connect/disconnect fluid connector with a blind mating mechanism using elastic locking bodies and spring-assisted alignment, ensuring rapid connection and disconnection without misalignment or leakage, featuring a rigid abutment and lateral sealing structure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a slot-type connection with convex points and grooves is used, then connection directionality is achieved, but alignment complexity and operation time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the alignment function from the connection process by introducing a separate guiding structure with guiding protrusions and guiding grooves that automatically align the male and female plugs during insertion, eliminating the need for manual alignment of convex points and grooves
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces guiding protrusions and guiding grooves as intermediary elements that facilitate automatic alignment between the male and female plugs, serving as a mediator that resolves the alignment complexity without affecting the primary connection function
2Reliability
If a threaded connection is used, then connection security is improved, but installation and removal become time-consuming and labor-intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the threaded mechanical rotation system with a direct push-to-connect system featuring elastic locking bodies that engage automatically upon insertion, eliminating the need for manual screwing and unscrewing operations while maintaining connection security through elastic locking mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic locking bodies automatically engage with the male plug upon insertion without requiring manual intervention, and the connection can be disconnected by simply pushing the male plug to release the elastic locks, making the system self-servicing and eliminating labor-intensive threaded operations
3Productivity
If a quick-connect mechanism is used, then connection speed is improved, but leakage risk increases due to potential misalignment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the sealing function from the connection interface by introducing dedicated sealing rings that contact the male plug surface, separating the alignment function (handled by guiding structures) from the sealing function (handled by sealing rings), ensuring reliable sealing without misalignment risks
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces sealing rings as intermediary sealing elements between the male and female plugs that ensure liquid-tight sealing upon engagement, mediating the connection interface to prevent leakage while maintaining the quick-connect functionality
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
Enables fast and secure connection/disconnection with reduced labor and time, minimizing leakage risks and manufacturing costs while maintaining high-pressure integrity.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic locking body I is arranged inside the accommodating cavity, a locking body II is arranged on an outer wall of the second pipe body, and the locking body II is capable of passing through the locking body I during the insertion of the second pipe body into the first pipe body and is reversely abutted against the locking body I
Implementation Method 2
spring-assisted alignment
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a quick-connect/disconnect fluid connector, including: a first coupling body (10) with a first pipe body (11); and a second coupling body (20) with a second pipe body (21). An elastic locking body I (14) is arranged inside the first pipe body (11), a locking body II (23) is arranged on an outer wall of the second pipe body (21), and the locking body II (23) can pass through the locking body I (14) during the insertion of the second pipe body (21) into the first pipe body (11) and is reversely abutted against the locking body I (14), thereby achieving connection and fixation between the first coupling body (10) and the second coupling body (20). The connector features simple, convenient and quick connection and disconnection, and supports blind mating.