Deformable Clip Disconnecting System for Fluid Couplings
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for disconnecting fluid couplings are labor-intensive and require specialized, expensive tools, making it difficult to efficiently reverse connections.
Innovation Solution
A disconnecting system utilizing two deformable clips with a ramp surface and drive surface, allowing for relative rotation to disengage fluid couplings by translating the gripping surface and withdrawing one conduit from another.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional soldering or clamping strategies are used to connect fluid conduits, then reliable fluid connections can be established, but the connection process becomes labor-intensive and difficult to reverse
Solution Approach 1:
The connection system is divided into modular components: a fitting with internal gripping features and a separate conduit end with external gripping features. This segmentation allows the connection to be made by simply pushing components together while maintaining reliable gripping engagement, and enables easy disconnection by reversing the process without requiring specialized tools
Solution Approach 2:
The fitting and conduit end are designed with self-gripping features that automatically engage when components are pushed together. The internal spurs on the fitting and external points on the conduit end self-align and self-lock into engagement, eliminating the need for complex assembly procedures or specialized installation tools
2Strength
If enhanced strength connections are established using spurs or points that bite into conduit material, then difficult-to-reverse connections are created, but disassembly becomes highly specialized and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The disconnection process inverts the connection approach: instead of requiring complex specialized gripping devices to reverse the bite engagement, the system uses a simple pushing motion in reverse. The internal and external gripping features are designed to disengage naturally when force is applied in the opposite direction, transforming a complex disassembly problem into a simple reversal of the assembly action
Solution Approach 2:
The gripping features are designed as simple, inexpensive geometric elements (spurs, points, arcs) that can be integrated into standard fitting and conduit designs. These replace the need for expensive, highly specialized disassembly tools, making the system economically viable for widespread use in residential and commercial applications
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
Enables efficient and effective disconnection of fluid couplings without the need for specialized tools, reducing labor and costs associated with reversing connections.
Implementation Method 1
a ramp surface structured for engagement by a drive surface on a second deformable clip to disengage an enhanced strength fluid coupling via relative rotation between the respective deformable clips
Data Source
AI summary
A disconnecting system for fluid couplings includes a first deformable clip having a ramp surface extending helically around an axis, and a second deformable clip including a drive surface shaped for facing contact against the ramp surface. The first clip and the second clip can be engaged upon coupled fluid conduits, such as fluid conduits connected by way of an enhanced strength fitting, and rotated relative to one another to bear a drive surface of the second clip against a ramp surface of the first clip whilst one of the fluid conduits is gripped by an inside gripping surface of the second clip, thereby reversing the enhanced strength fit connection between the fluid conduits.