Coupling Assembly Position Sensing for Secure Pump Connections
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current coupling assemblies for fluidically connecting inflatable/deflatable articles and pumps in pneumatic systems face challenges such as misconnection hazards, partial connections, and increased wear due to reprocessing, leading to potential product failure and reduced safety, especially for users with vision or dexterity limitations.
Innovation Solution
A coupling assembly with a position indicating arrangement that includes a position indicating part on the connector or connecting member and a sensing arrangement to detect the position of this part during engagement, providing real-time feedback and ensuring full connection, and a component identifying means to verify compatibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a purely mechanical quick-connect coupling assembly is used, then the connection speed is fast and ease of operation is improved, but the risk of misconnection and partial connection increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a sensing arrangement that detects the position of a position indicating part on the connector during engagement. This provides real-time feedback to the controller, which can then confirm proper connection or alert the user to misconnection or partial connection issues, resolving the contradiction between fast mechanical connection and connection accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces reliance on purely mechanical engagement cues with an electronic sensing and feedback system. The sensing arrangement detects connector position and the controller processes this information to provide connection status feedback, substituting mechanical indication methods with electronic detection and feedback mechanisms
2Volume of moving object
If the connector size is reduced, then the device portability is improved, but the ability to provide marking and physical features for user identification deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces physical marking and tactile features with an electronic sensing arrangement that detects the position of a position indicating part. This electronic identification system works effectively regardless of connector size, allowing small connectors to maintain full identification capability through electronic rather than mechanical means
Solution Approach 2:
The position indicating part serves as an intermediary element that the sensing arrangement detects to determine connector status. This intermediary enables identification and status detection without requiring direct user interaction with physical markings on the small connector surface
3Ease of operation
If color coding is used for connector identification, then the ease of operation is improved for most users, but the effectiveness deteriorates for users with color vision deficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces color-based identification with an electronic sensing arrangement that detects the position of a position indicating part. This electronic identification method is accessible to all users regardless of color vision capability, eliminating the accessibility issue while maintaining ease of operation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the identification parameter from optical (color) to positional (detector position). The position indicating part's location provides identification information that is detectable by the sensing arrangement and interpretable by the controller, offering an alternative parameter that is equally effective but universally accessible
4Device complexity
If characteristics-based sensing during inflation is used for article identification, then the complexity of the system is reduced, but the measurement precision and response time deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements connection status detection that occurs during the engagement process itself, before inflation begins. The sensing arrangement detects the position of the position indicating part as the connector is being connected, providing immediate feedback without waiting for the inflation cycle to start and complete
Solution Approach 2:
The patent provides real-time feedback during connector engagement through the sensing arrangement and controller. This feedback mechanism enables immediate article identification and connection verification, eliminating the delay of waiting for inflation characteristics to be measured and processed
5Duration of action of stationary object
If reprocessing of connectors is increased to extend lifespan, then the duration of action is improved, but the wear and reliability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The sensing arrangement and controller provide monitoring capability that can detect degradation or improper connection resulting from reprocessing wear. This feedback enables early intervention before failure occurs, allowing the connector to be replaced at the optimal time to maintain reliability throughout its extended lifespan
Data Source
AI summary
Present invention relates to a coupling assembly (300, 600) for fluidically connecting an inflatable/deflatable article (120) and a pump (110) in a fluid pressure control system (100) and a fluid pressure control system (100) comprising such a coupling assembly (300, 600). The coupling assembly (300, 600) comprises a position indicating arrangement (380) which comprises a sensing arrangement (320) and a position indicating part (390, 490, 690).