Female Coupling Clip Assembly for Independent Fluid Line Release
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing coupling assemblies for fluid flow systems face challenges in securely connecting multiple male coupling devices to female coupling devices without disconnection during simultaneous insertion and in providing a reliable mechanism for easy disconnection and reconnection, while maintaining fluid flow integrity.
Innovation Solution
A dual coupling assembly design featuring female coupling devices with a shroud portion and a clip member that moves between locked and unlocked positions, using spring-loaded arms to secure and release male coupling devices, allowing for separate connection and disconnection without impacting existing connections, and utilizing various materials like ABS and acetal for durability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional coupling assembly uses a fixed retention mechanism, then the connection is secure, but the disconnection and reconnection process is complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic clip member that can transition between locked and unlocked states, allowing the retention mechanism to adapt between secure connection and easy disconnection modes. The spring-loaded arms provide automatic engagement and disengagement based on the clip member's position, resolving the contradiction between connection security and operational ease.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring-loaded arms automatically engage with the male coupling device when the clip member is in the locked position, providing self-retention without requiring additional fastening operations. Similarly, when the clip member moves to the unlocked position, the arms automatically disengage, enabling self-release and simplifying the disconnection process.
2Productivity
If multiple male coupling devices are connected simultaneously, then the fluid flow system is complete, but disconnection of one device may disrupt existing connections
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the retention mechanism into independent spring-loaded arms, with each arm associated with a specific male coupling device connection point. This segmentation allows individual arms to be actuated independently by the clip member, enabling one male coupling device to be disconnected without affecting the retention of other devices connected to the same female coupling device.
Solution Approach 2:
The clip member's movement dynamically controls multiple spring-loaded arms independently, allowing selective engagement and disengagement of individual male coupling devices while maintaining connections to other devices. This dynamic control enables flexible connection management in multi-device configurations.
3Device complexity
If a simple connection mechanism is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the connection may not be secure enough to prevent disconnection during insertion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the retention function from the main body of the female coupling device and implements it through separate spring-loaded arms that can independently engage and retain male coupling devices. This extraction allows the main body to remain simple while the retained arms provide secure connection, preventing disconnection during simultaneous insertion of multiple devices.
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 design ensures secure and reliable fluid flow by retaining male coupling devices within female coupling devices, allowing for separate connection and disconnection without disrupting existing connections, enhancing operational efficiency and ease of use.
Implementation Method 1
spring-loaded arms to secure and release male coupling devices
Data Source
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AI summary
A female coupling device (200A) includes: a main body (204A), and a clip member (250) coupled to the main body (204A), the clip member (250) having a plurality of arms (274A, 276A) extending perpendicularly therefrom, with the plurality of arms (274A, 276A) forming at least one pair of arms (274A, 276A), with the pair of arms (274A, 276A) including a first distance (292) therebetween and a second distance (294) therebetween, with the first distance (292) being sized to engage a clip groove (303A) of a mating male coupling device (300A), and with the second distance (294) being sized to disengage the mating male coupling device (300A). In a locked position, the pair of arms (274A, 276A) is positioned so that the first distance (292) is adjacent to the mating male coupling device (300A). In an unlocked position, the pair of arms (274A, 276A) is positioned so that the second distance (294) is adjacent to the mating male coupling device (300A).