Fluid Connection Assembly With Segmented Locking Rings
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid connection elements face issues with contamination between the locking ring and the body, leading to difficulties in the displacement of locking and actuation balls, and the challenge of selecting materials suitable for both internal interactions and user maneuverability.
Innovation Solution
The fluid connection element is designed with separate locking and maneuvering rings, allowing for different materials to be used for each, and incorporates actuation balls with a larger diameter to limit the risk of contamination and reduce coupling effort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single locking ring is used for both locking and maneuvering functions, then the device complexity is reduced, but the material selection becomes difficult and contamination risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The single locking ring is divided into two separate rings: a locking ring that interacts with the locking balls and a maneuvering ring that is operated by the user. This segmentation allows each ring to be made from materials optimized for its specific function, with the locking ring using materials suitable for precise mechanical interaction and the maneuvering ring using materials optimized for user handling and maneuverability.
2Ease of operation
If the locking ring is retracted to allow locking ball movement, then the locking function is enabled, but contaminants can insert themselves between the locking ring and body surface
Solution Approach 1:
By separating the locking ring from the maneuvering ring, the design creates a more controlled interface. The maneuvering ring can be designed with appropriate sealing surfaces and clearance control to prevent contaminant ingress while still allowing the locking ring to retract sufficiently for the locking balls to move between locked and unlocked positions.
Solution Approach 2:
The maneuvering ring acts as an intermediary between the user's manual operation and the locking ring. It provides a controlled mechanism for actuating the locking ring, allowing the locking ring to move only to the extent necessary for locking ball displacement while preventing excessive movement that could expose gaps for contaminant entry.
3Reliability
If the locking ring is made retractable to enable locking ball movement, then the locking mechanism functions properly, but the sliding of the locking ring is limited in the medium to long term
Solution Approach 1:
The separation of locking and maneuvering functions into distinct rings allows the locking ring to be designed with optimized sliding surfaces and clearance characteristics. The locking ring can be made from materials and with surface treatments specifically suited for durable sliding contact, while the maneuvering ring handles the user interaction, thereby extending the operational life of the locking mechanism.
Data Source
AI summary
A fluid connection element, comprising: a body; a locking ball; a locking ring, movable between a blocking position, blocking the locking ball in a locking position, and a release position, releasing the locking ball; an actuation ball, to drive the locking ring to the release position during coupling; and a maneuvering ring, mounted around the locking ring and comprising an internal radial wall, radially facing the front annular part and whose diameter is less than the diameter of a cylinder coaxial with the body and comprising said actuation ball, the locking ring comprising a radial heel to be driven by the maneuvering ring.