Filtered Gladhand Connector with Bypass Filter Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing air hose couplers for tractor-trailer brake systems lack a securing plate for convenient mounting, multiple ports for hose installation, and a moveable filter assembly to prevent air blockage when filters become clogged, leading to potential corrosion and failure due to damaged color coatings.
Innovation Solution
A gladhand connector with a housing featuring multiple access ports, a removable and replaceable filter assembly, a mounting bracket for secure attachment, and a swivel cover to prevent debris entry, made from corrosion-resistant materials like stainless steel and aluminum, with a design that allows air to bypass the filter if it becomes obstructed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a filter assembly is installed to protect against dirt and debris, then the air brake system is protected from contamination, but the filter becomes clogged over time and blocks air passage
Solution Approach 1:
The filter assembly is made movable rather than fixed, allowing it to be displaced by air pressure when clogged. The spring mechanism enables the filter to dynamically adjust its position based on pressure differential, moving from a blocking position to a bypass position when contamination occurs.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring element is pre-loaded to provide a cushioning force that allows the filter assembly to move when pressure builds up behind it. This beforehand cushioning enables the system to handle clogged filter conditions without complete air flow blockage.
2Reliability
If a securing plate is added for convenient mounting, then the coupler can be securely attached to the trailer, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting bracket is integrated with the housing as a unified structure rather than being a separate component. This merging of the bracket into the housing design provides secure mounting capability while avoiding the complexity of additional separate parts and assembly steps.
3Ease of operation
If multiple access ports are provided for hose installation, then hose connection convenience is improved, but the risk of debris and insects entering through open ports increases
Solution Approach 1:
The swivel cover is designed to be movable, allowing it to be positioned open during hose installation for ease of access, then closed when installation is complete to prevent debris and insects from entering through the open port. This dynamic positioning resolves the contradiction between operational convenience and contamination prevention.
4Reliability
If color coating is applied for corrosion resistance and recognition, then corrosion protection and function identification are improved, but the coating may become damaged leading to corrosion and failure
Solution Approach 1:
The housing is made from stainless steel, a composite material that inherently provides corrosion resistance without relying solely on protective coatings. This material choice reduces dependence on color coatings for corrosion protection, addressing the issue of coating damage leading to failure.
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 connector provides reliable and long-lasting air hose connections by reducing stress on hoses, preventing corrosion, and ensuring continuous air flow through the use of a replaceable filter assembly and secure mounting, while color coding prevents incorrect connections and maintains system integrity.
Implementation Method 1
The filter assembly is configured to be displaced by air pressure of received air to compress the spring and allow the received air to bypass the filter assembly in the event that the filter element becomes obstructed.
Implementation Method 2
a filter screen comprising a wire mesh basket supported in a rigid framework
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention is directed to a gladhand connector having multiple ports and an integrated filter. The connector has a base that includes an air hose connector clamp on a first surface, and a first access port extending from the first surface toward a second surface, and a second access port on a bottom surface. The access ports are in fluid communication with an intermediate conduit configured to direct air received from an air hose through the housing. The connector also comprises a receptacle adjacent the first access port and in fluid communication with one of the access ports. The receptacle is configured to receive a pressure sensitive, removable and replaceable filter assembly that is configured to filter debris. The filter assembly is displaceable by air pressure of received air. The connector further comprises a mounting bracket configured to be attached to a vehicle.