Floating Plate Fluid Connector for Automated Pneumatic Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Automated assembly in the automotive industry requires a method to connect pneumatic devices to air supplies without human intervention, as manual precision alignment is impractical for robotic or remote-controlled systems.
Innovation Solution
A connecting device with floating support plates that can move along two perpendicular axes, allowing for misalignment tolerance, combined with guiding pins and a protective housing, enables robotic insertion and includes a sensor for connection detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If manual alignment is used to connect nozzle to port, then connection precision is improved, but automation capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The support plates are made movable rather than fixed, allowing them to adjust dynamically during the connection process. The front and middle support plates can move along guides to accommodate misalignment, enabling robotic insertion without requiring high precision alignment while maintaining reliable connection.
2Stability of the object's composition
If fixed support plates are used, then structural stability is improved, but alignment tolerance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The support plates are designed with movable components that allow adjustment along guides while maintaining structural integrity. The front support plate moves along the first guide, and the middle support plate moves along the second guide, providing alignment tolerance without compromising the overall structural stability of the connecting device.
3Adaptability or versatility
If movable support plates are used, then alignment tolerance is improved, but device complexity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure is divided into separate movable plates (front and middle) that can adjust independently along their respective guides. This segmentation allows each plate to handle misalignment in different directions, providing comprehensive alignment tolerance while keeping each individual movement mechanism relatively simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The guides act as intermediary elements that facilitate the movement of support plates while constraining the motion to specific paths. This intermediary mechanism enables alignment adjustment without requiring complex degrees of freedom, simplifying the overall device 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
Enables automated and precise connection of pneumatic devices to air supplies without human intervention, enhancing automation and reducing the need for precise alignment, while protecting components and ensuring reliable connection detection.
Implementation Method 1
a spring extending along the first axis and configured to force the front support plate back to its initial position
Data Source
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Figure 3
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AI summary
Connecting device (10) for a fluid supply system comprising a female connecting part (12) and a male connecting part (14), characterized in that the female connecting part (12) comprises : - a back support plate (16) ; - a middle support plate (18) ; - a front support plate (20) ; wherein said front support plate 20) comprises a fluid outlet port (22) intended to be connected to a corresponding connecting element of the male connecting part (14), and said back (16), middle (18) and front (20) support plates each comprising an outlet hole (16a, 18a, 20a) connected to the outlet port (22), wherein the middle support plate (18) is fastened to the back support plate (16) and the front support plate (20) is fastened to the middle support plate (18); wherein the front support plate (20) is configured to be able to move along a first axis (Y-Y), wherein the middle support plate (18) is configured to be able to move along a second axis (X-X), the second axis (X-X) being transverse to the first axis (Y-Y).