Collet Fluid Coupling for Quick Barbed Fitting Latching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid couplings often require complex latching mechanisms that are cumbersome and time-consuming to operate, particularly when connecting fluid fittings such as barbed, threaded, or sanitary fittings.
Innovation Solution
A fluid coupling device featuring a collet mechanism with a pivotable arcuate segment collet and a longitudinally slidable collar that allows for quick and secure attachment and detachment of fluid fittings by transitioning between open and closed configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional latching mechanisms (collar and ball lock, thumb-latch, clamp devices) are used in fluid couplings, then the connection can be secured, but the operation becomes cumbersome and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The collet is divided into multiple arcuate segments that can independently pivot relative to each other. This segmentation allows the collet to easily transition between open and closed configurations, enabling rapid connection and disconnection of fluid fittings without cumbersome manual manipulation of complex latching mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The collet arcuate segments are designed to be pivotable rather than fixed, allowing dynamic transition between open and closed states. This dynamic capability enables the connection mechanism to quickly adapt between connected and disconnected states, significantly reducing the time required for operation compared to static traditional latching mechanisms
2Ease of operation
If traditional latching mechanisms are used, then connection can be achieved, but the mechanism becomes complex and cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
By dividing the collet into multiple independent arcuate segments, the complex latching function is distributed across simple, identical components. Each segment performs the same basic pivoting action, eliminating the need for complex multi-component latching mechanisms like ball locks, tongues, or clamps while achieving the same secure connection function
Solution Approach 2:
The pivotable arcuate segments of the collet are designed to automatically transition between open and closed configurations through their own mechanical movement, without requiring external actuating mechanisms. The segments self-engage to secure the fitting when closed and self-release when opened, eliminating the need for separate latching or locking 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
Enables rapid and reliable connection and disconnection of fluid fittings with enhanced mechanical robustness and liquid-tight seals, facilitating efficient fluid transfer.
Implementation Method 1
The fluid coupling device may also include a garter spring or an elastic member surrounding a rear-end portion of the collet
Implementation Method 2
The fluid collet may also include one or more living hinges. Each living hinge may interconnect two adjacent arcuate segments of the plurality of arcuate segments
Implementation Method 3
The fluid coupling device may also include an annular seal member arranged in an annular groove defined by the main body at a location in which the annular seal member will seal against an inner diameter of a barbed end fitting
Data Source
AI summary
Fluid coupling systems can include a latching mechanism to releasably latch together two fluid handling devices in an operative arrangement. Such latching mechanisms can include collet connection mechanisms. For example, this document describes fluid couplings with collet connection mechanisms that are adapted to couple with a fluid fitting of a mated fluid coupling quickly and conveniently. Such fluid fittings can include, but are not limited to, a barbed fitting or a sanitary fitting.