Fluid Connector Locking Mechanism With Piston-Driven Auto Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connection systems between male and female parts require significant human effort for repeated disconnection and connection, which slows down operations and poses safety risks due to the need for manual intervention.
Innovation Solution
A connection system utilizing a piston-driven mechanism with return means and blocking means to enable automatic and secure disconnection and connection, reducing human effort by using stored energy for repeated cycles and ensuring secure locking through geometric design and fluid pressure control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual disconnection and connection operation is used, then the connection system is simple in structure, but the operation speed is slow and human effort is required
Solution Approach 1:
The connection system employs a movable drive part with a piston that can dynamically transition between connection and disconnection positions. The piston is selectively pressurizable to drive the drive part between these positions, enabling automatic operation without manual intervention and significantly improving operation speed while maintaining controlled complexity through dynamic actuation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates return means that automatically return the drive part to the connection position after disconnection. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for continuous manual operation, allowing the system to reset itself and prepare for the next connection cycle, thereby improving productivity without proportionally increasing complexity.
2Reliability
If manual disconnection and connection operation is used, then the device structure is simple, but the safety of surrounding personnel is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces manual mechanical operation with automated piston-driven actuation. The movable drive part is selectively pressurizable to drive automatic connection and disconnection, eliminating human exposure to potential safety hazards while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure through the use of standard pneumatic/hydraulic actuation mechanisms.
3Ease of operation
If automatic connection and disconnection with piston is used, then human effort is minimized, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The piston is selectively pressurizable only when needed to drive the drive part between connection and disconnection positions, rather than continuous pressurization. The return means automatically return the drive part to the connection position, creating a periodic action pattern that minimizes energy consumption while maintaining ease of operation through automated actuation.
Solution Approach 2:
The return means recover and store energy by automatically returning the drive part to the connection position after disconnection. This energy recovery mechanism reduces the overall energy consumption of the system while maintaining minimal human effort, as the system reusesthe energy from each actuation cycle.
4Reliability
If secure locking mechanism is implemented, then connection reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking function is merged with the drive part itself. The drive part is designed with integrated locking capability where it can be positioned to lock the male part in the female part during connection. This merging of functions eliminates the need for separate locking mechanisms, improving connection security while maintaining relatively simple device structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The movable drive part serves multiple functions: it drives the connection, provides locking capability, and enables disconnection. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional components, achieving secure locking without proportionally increasing device complexity.
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 system allows for quick, secure, and repeatable disconnection and connection of male and female parts with minimal human effort, enhancing operational efficiency and safety by automating the connection process and reducing energy consumption.
Implementation Method 1
The piston (48) is arranged inside the actuation chamber (14) and is selectively pressurizable to drive the part (24) trained by the part (24) between one of the positions among the connection position and the disconnection position
Implementation Method 2
the return means store the energy when the piston is pressurized, which advantageously reduces the duration of a connection-disconnection cycle, the return means then automatically restoring this energy during the reverse connection operation or the case disconnection
Data Source
Figure 1~26
Figure 2~6
Figure 7~10
AI summary
This system (1) comprises a male part (2), a female part (4), a drive element (24) having a spool portion (26) with a radial bore (28), a radially movable drive member (30) within the radial bore (28), a cavity (34), and a radial projection (40). The drive element (24) is translationally movable between a disconnected position of the male and female parts and a connected position of the male and female parts. The drive element (24) includes a piston (48) sliding in an actuating chamber (14) under the effect of a pressure force. The piston (48) is attached to the spool portion (26) so as to move the drive element (24) to one of the connected or disconnected positions under the effect of the pressure force. The system (1) further includes control means for triggering the application of pressure force on the piston (48).