Color-Coded Pneumatic Coupler Identification System
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Users of pneumatically operated equipment face challenges in quickly identifying compatible plug and coupler sets, leading to inefficiencies and incomplete connections due to the lack of clear markings on conventional components, resulting in wasted time and potential leaks.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a color coding system where plugs and couplers are anodized in specific colors to indicate compatibility, allowing users to visually distinguish between different types of pneumatic components, such as automotive, industrial, and ARO/LINCOLN brands, ensuring proper mating pairs are selected.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If conventional unmarked plugs and couplers are used, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but identification time and operational efficiency deteriorate due to trial and error matching
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies color coding to plugs and couplers through anodization, where different colors represent different types or compatibility groups. This allows users to quickly identify compatible components visually without trial and error, significantly improving operational efficiency while the anodization process itself is a standard manufacturing technique that adds minimal cost.
2Ease of manufacture
If trial and error method is used to match plugs and couplers, then no additional marking cost is incurred, but time consumption and resource waste increase
Solution Approach 1:
The color identification markings are applied during the manufacturing process itself, performing the identification function in advance. This preliminary action eliminates the need for time-consuming trial and error matching during operation, as users can immediately identify compatible components by their color codes.
3Device complexity
If no identification markings are provided, then device complexity is reduced, but connection reliability deteriorates due to incompatible pairings
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a simple color coding system where different colors indicate different compatibility types. This minimalistic approach adds very little complexity to the device while dramatically improving connection reliability, as users can instantly identify compatible plugs and couplers by matching colors, preventing incompatible pairings and potential leaks.
4Speed
If visual identification system is implemented, then matching speed is improved, but manufacturing process complexity increases due to anodization requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs anodization, a well-established surface treatment process, to apply durable color markings to aluminum plugs and couplers. This method integrates coloring into the manufacturing process itself rather than adding separate marking steps, achieving fast visual identification while maintaining relatively simple manufacturing processes that are already familiar to producers.
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
This color coding system enables users to easily identify compatible plug and coupler sets, preventing incorrect connections and ensuring airtight couplings, thereby reducing waste and improving operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
the coupler member includes a sleeve that is constructed of aluminum that has been anodized in a particular color
Data Source
AI summary
A coupler and plug system for air line uses which identifies properly mating components by the colors of the components. The coupler of the system includes a sleeve which is made in a chosen color. The plug of the system is made in the same color as the sleeve of the coupler. The plug and coupler sleeve may be anodized aluminum dyed in the same color. By choosing a plug which is of a matching color to the sleeve of a coupler, the user will choose a plug which properly mates with the coupler.