Connector Socket Rotary Valve Switching Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing socket designs for liquid storage containers in semiconductor production do not have a switching mechanism to prevent liquid from flowing outside when detached from the plug, leading to failures and contamination.
Innovation Solution
A connector system with a plug and socket that includes a lock mechanism and a switching mechanism with a regulating member, allowing for controlled liquid flow and preventing liquid from flowing outside when detached, featuring a columnar rotary valve and a releasing mechanism to ensure intentional operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the socket is made detachable from the plug for ease of operation, then the ease of operation is improved, but liquid may flow outside when detached causing contamination
Solution Approach 1:
The switching mechanism is activated before the socket is detached from the plug to close the liquid passages in advance. The regulating member prevents the switching mechanism from operating when the socket is detached, ensuring liquid flow is stopped before separation occurs, thus preventing contamination while maintaining detachability.
Solution Approach 2:
The lock mechanism is designed to maintain the switched state (closed position) before detachment occurs. The regulating member ensures that the switching mechanism can only be activated when the socket is properly locked to the plug, preparing the system to prevent liquid flow before the actual detachment happens.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a switching mechanism is added to control liquid flow, then liquid containment is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The switching mechanism is integrated with the lock mechanism, and the regulating member is combined with the plug body structure. The lock balls serve dual purposes: securing the socket to the plug and controlling the switching mechanism. This merging reduces the number of separate components and simplifies the overall device complexity while maintaining liquid containment.
Solution Approach 2:
The lock balls serve multiple functions: they lock the socket to the plug body and simultaneously control the switching mechanism by being received in switching mechanism holes. The regulating member is integrated into the plug body structure, serving both as a structural component and a control element. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components.
3Ease of operation
If the switching mechanism is made accessible for operation, then the ease of operation is improved, but unintended switching may occur causing liquid leakage
Solution Approach 1:
The regulating member is positioned to prevent the switching mechanism from being activated when the socket is detached from the plug. This preliminary restriction ensures that even if the switching mechanism is accessible, it cannot be operated under conditions that would cause unintended liquid leakage.
Solution Approach 2:
The system is designed so that the switching mechanism can only be activated when the socket is properly locked to the plug body. The lock balls must be in their engaged position, which allows the switching mechanism holes to be accessible. This preliminary condition ensures that switching can only occur when the connection is secure, preventing unintended operation.
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a connector including a plug and a socket. The socket includes: a socket body in which a second liquid outflow passage and a second liquid inflow passage are formed; a ball lock mechanism that is attached to the socket body and fixes the socket body to a key ring; and a switching mechanism that switches an open state and a closed state of a rotary valve. The switching mechanism includes an opening/closing arm that regulates releasing of the fixation of the socket body to the key ring by the ball lock mechanism in the open state.