Electrically Driven Connector for Fluid Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connectors for fluid systems, especially in delicate or space-constrained environments, face challenges with manual actuation difficulties and contamination risks from pneumatic actuation, particularly in applications requiring precise control and cleanliness.
Innovation Solution
Integration of an electric drive mechanism with a gearbox and screw or ball drive system within the connector for precise control of connection forces, eliminating the need for compressed air and reducing contamination risks, while allowing operation in areas where manual actuation is impossible.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual actuation is used, then the connector can be operated without additional power sources, but the connection forces are hard to control and manual actuation is difficult in space-constrained environments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical actuation with an electric motor-driven screw mechanism. The electric motor provides controlled rotational motion that is converted to linear motion through the screw drive, enabling precise control of connection forces while eliminating the need for manual operation in constrained spaces.
2Extent of automation
If pneumatic actuation is used, then the connector can be actuated automatically, but compressed air introduces contaminants which is detrimental in applications where contaminants need to be avoided
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes pneumatic actuation with an electric motor-driven mechanism. The electric motor converts electrical energy to mechanical motion through electromagnetic fields, eliminating the need for compressed air and thereby preventing contamination of the fluid system while maintaining automatic actuation capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and removes the pneumatic actuation system from the connector design, eliminating the source of contamination (compressed air) while retaining the essential function of automatic actuation through an electrically-driven alternative.
3Extent of automation
If pneumatic actuation is used, then the connector can be actuated automatically, but compressed air requires additional cost and can introduce contaminants
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the complex pneumatic system requiring compressed air supply, regulators, and hoses with a simpler electric motor-driven screw mechanism. This substitution eliminates the need for compressed air infrastructure while providing equivalent or superior actuation control, thereby reducing system complexity and cost.
4Device complexity
If manual actuation is used, then the connector structure can be simpler, but the connector cannot be used in locations where manual actuation is difficult or impossible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates an electric motor and screw drive mechanism directly into the connector body, replacing simple manual actuation components. This integration enables the connector to be actuated automatically in locations where manual operation is difficult or impossible, such as remote or confined spaces, while maintaining a compact and relatively simple overall structure.
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 electric drive mechanism provides precise control of connection forces, extends the connector's lifespan, avoids additional costs and contaminants, and ensures cleanliness in applications like medical settings by enabling sterilization of the electric motor.
Implementation Method 1
The electric drive mechanism includes an electric motor coupled to a gear box
Implementation Method 2
a gear box which acts as a gear reducer to increase or decrease torque from the motor
Implementation Method 3
the gear reducer drives a screw drive, and a drive nut on the screw drive engages an actuation piston
Implementation Method 4
the gear reducer can drive a ball drive which has less friction than a screw drive
Data Source
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AI summary
A connector that is designed with an integrated electric drive mechanism to actuate the connector. The connector fluidly connects a first fluid system to a second fluid system for performing processing operations, for example charging, evacuation and/or testing, on the second fluid system through the connector. The electric drive mechanism allows more precise control of connection forces. Further, the connector can be used in locations where manual actuation is difficult or impossible.