Cam-Lock Gas Fitting Assembly for Fast Airtight Hose Repositioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing gas conveyance systems for manufacturing environments, such as those used in aircraft construction, face inefficiencies in connecting and disconnecting hoses due to makeshift connections like tape and zip ties, leading to time consumption and ineffective seals, which compromise air quality in confined spaces.
Innovation Solution
A fitting and connection assembly system featuring a cam-lock and twist-lock mechanism that allows for secure and efficient coupling and decoupling of system sections, including fittings and connectors, ensuring a reliable seal and quick repositioning of gas conveyance components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If makeshift connections (tape, zip ties) are used to connect hoses to manifolds, then the system can be assembled quickly, but the seal effectiveness deteriorates and air quality is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The connection system is divided into modular components: a manifold with multiple ports, connection assemblies with fittings and connectors, and locking mechanisms. This segmentation allows for standardized, repeatable connections that maintain seal integrity while enabling quick assembly and disassembly operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary connection assembly that includes a fitting with cam-lock and twist-lock mechanisms, serving as a mediator between the manifold and hose/connector. This intermediary component provides a reliable sealing interface that eliminates the need for makeshift connections while maintaining assembly efficiency.
2Adaptability or versatility
If hoses are regularly removed and repositioned between different spaces, then adaptability to different manufacturing operations is improved, but time consumption increases due to repeated connection and disconnection
Solution Approach 1:
The connection system incorporates dynamic locking mechanisms (cam-lock and twist-lock) that enable rapid engagement and disengagement of hoses from the manifold. The cam-lock mechanism allows for quick one-handed operation, while the twist-lock provides secure locking with minimal rotation, facilitating frequent repositioning without significant time loss.
3Device complexity
If makeshift connections are used, then device complexity is reduced, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to improper sealing and air quality issues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the sealing function from the hose itself and places it in a dedicated sealing element within the connection assembly. This separation allows the sealing mechanism to be optimized independently, providing reliable sealing without adding significant complexity to the overall system.
Data Source
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AI summary
A fitting includes a fitting body having a connection axis. The fitting includes a fitting first end having a fitting first opening. The fitting includes a fitting second end having a fitting second opening. The fitting includes a fitting cam-lock proximate the fitting first end. The fitting includes a fitting twist-lock proximate the fitting second end. The fitting cam-lock is configured to engage a manifold cam-lock of a manifold of a gas conveyance system. The fitting twist-lock is configured to engage a connector twist-lock of a connector by rotating the connector about the connection axis relative to the fitting.