Compact Fluid Coupling Structure for Tight-Space Sealing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional coupling members for fluid-device connecting structures are large in size, making them difficult to mount and retighten in narrow spaces where multiple fluid devices are installed in parallel, leading to workability issues and potential leakage due to decreased sealing strength.
Innovation Solution
A coupling member design featuring a first coupling segment with a U-like shape and a second coupling segment, both with rotational joints, allowing engagement over 180 degrees of the circumference without radial engagement portions, along with a fluid-device connecting jig for easy mounting and retightening, enabling compact installation and good workability in tight spaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the coupling member includes radial engagement portions to maintain the closed state, then the connection reliability is improved, but the overall size of the coupling member increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the radial engagement portions (first extended portion and second extended portion) that were previously used to maintain the closed state of the coupling member. Instead, it uses a latch mechanism with a claw and insertion hole that engages in the axial direction, eliminating the need for radial protrusions and thereby reducing the overall size of the coupling member while maintaining connection reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent inverts the engagement direction from radial (outward) to axial (inward). The claw of the latch mechanism engages with the insertion hole in the axial direction, opposite to the conventional radial engagement approach. This inversion allows the coupling member to maintain its closed state without requiring radial engagement portions, thus reducing its size.
2Strength
If the coupling member has extended portions for engagement, then the connection strength is improved, but the work space required for mounting increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates the first extended portion and second extended portion that protruded radially outward for engagement purposes. The connection strength is maintained through the latch mechanism that engages axially, removing the need for additional radial space and thereby reducing the work space required for mounting.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions the engagement mechanism from the radial dimension to the axial dimension. The latch claw engages with the insertion hole along the axial direction, utilizing the existing axial space of the coupling member rather than requiring additional radial space. This dimensional change reduces the overall footprint and work space needed for mounting.
3Volume of moving object
If the coupling member uses a latch mechanism without radial engagement portions, then the compactness is improved, but the sealing strength may decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functions of the latch mechanism and the sealing mechanism. The latch claw not only engages with the insertion hole to maintain the closed state but also applies axial force to press the seal member against the connection parts. This combination ensures that the compact design without radial engagement portions does not compromise sealing strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The latch mechanism is designed to perform multiple functions: maintaining the closed state of the coupling member and simultaneously enhancing the sealing strength by pressing the seal member. This multi-functionality allows the compact design to achieve both size reduction and reliable sealing without requiring separate radial engagement portions.
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 compact design allows for easy installation and retightening of coupling members in narrow spaces, maintaining sealing strength and improving workability by ensuring reliable connections and easy identification of retightened states.
Implementation Method 1
a claw 108e protruding from a first extended portion 108c of the second coupling segment 108 is inserted by elastic deformation into an insertion hole 107e formed in a second extended portion 107c of the first coupling segment 107
Data Source
AI summary
A fluid-device connecting structure includes a first fluid device having a first connection part, a second fluid device having a second connection part, an annular seal member to connect the first and second connection parts, and a coupling member to keep the first and second connection parts in a connected state. The coupling member includes a first coupling segment and a second coupling segment, each including at one end a first hinge part or a second hinge part. The first and second connection parts each have a cylindrical outer shape. The first coupling segment has a U-like shape having an opening and surrounds the first and second connection parts over a range more than 180 degrees of an entire circumference of each of the first and second connection parts.