Compact Fluid Fitting Assembly for Direct Port Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fitting assemblies for fluid devices require a tube and large axial components like inner rings and union nuts, which occupy space and hinder the close installation of fluid devices.
Innovation Solution
A fitting assembly with annular members and a connector that directly connects fluid devices without a tube, using couplers, hooks, and threads to secure and seal the connection, allowing for close proximity and efficient fluid flow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a tube and large axial components (inner rings and union nuts) are used to connect fluid devices, then the connection is secure and reliable, but the space required for installation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the tube connection function with the fitting assembly by integrating a connector directly into the fitting structure. The connector includes sealing portions that directly seal against the fluid device ports, eliminating the need for separate tubes and large axial components while maintaining secure and reliable fluid connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and eliminates the tube and large axial components (inner rings and union nuts) from the connection system. By removing these separate components and integrating their functions directly into the fitting assembly, the invention reduces installation space while preserving connection reliability through the integrated connector's sealing mechanism.
2Adaptability or versatility
If additional members such as tubes are used to connect fluid devices, then fluid flow between devices is enabled, but the complexity of the assembly increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions (connection, sealing, and fluid flow enablement) into a single integrated connector assembly. This merging of functions reduces the number of separate components needed while maintaining the ability to connect fluid devices and enable fluid flow between them.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector is designed with multi-functionality, serving as both the connection element and the sealing element simultaneously. The sealing portions are integrated directly onto the connector, allowing it to perform both mechanical connection and fluid sealing functions, thereby reducing assembly complexity while maintaining fluid connection capability.
3Strength
If large axial size components are used for fittings, then secure coupling with tubes is achieved, but the axial space occupation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the coupling function with the sealing function in the integrated connector design. The connector directly couples with the fluid device ports while incorporating sealing portions that provide secure sealing without requiring large axial size components like traditional inner rings and union nuts.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and removes the large axial size components (inner rings and union nuts) from the fitting assembly. By eliminating these separate components and integrating their functions into a compact connector, the invention maintains secure coupling strength while significantly reducing the axial space occupation of the fitting assembly.
Data Source
AI summary
A fitting assembly for fluid device is provided, which includes a first port, a second port, a first annular member, a second annular member, and a connector. The first port is annular and installed at a first fluid device to be connected with its first fluid channel. The second port is annular and installed at a second fluid device to be connected with its second fluid channel. The first annular member is installed at the first port and has a first coupler. The second annular member is installed at the second port and has a second coupler to be coupled with the first coupler to fix the second annular member to the first annular member. The connector is installed between the first port and the second port and seals gaps between the connector and the first and second ports.