Fluid Connector Assembly With Separate Rings for Clean Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluidic coupling elements face issues with contamination due to contaminants getting trapped between the locking ring and the body, leading to difficulties in the movement of locking and actuating balls, and the challenge of selecting a single material suitable for both internal functional parts and external casing.
Innovation Solution
The solution involves separate locking and operating rings, where the operating ring has a narrow cylindrical inner wall to reduce contamination risk, allowing different materials for user operation and interaction with the body and balls, and includes actuating balls and return means to facilitate coupling with reduced force.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single locking ring is used for both locking function and user operation, then the device structure is simpler, but it is difficult to select suitable material for both internal functional parts and external casing
Solution Approach 1:
The single locking ring is divided into two separate components: an operating ring for user interaction and a locking ring for functional operation. This segmentation allows each component to be made from materials optimized for its specific function, with the operating ring using materials suitable for user contact and the locking ring using materials compatible with internal functional parts.
2Ease of operation
If the locking ring has a larger diameter to accommodate operational features, then user operation is easier, but contaminants can become trapped between the locking ring and the body
Solution Approach 1:
By separating the operating ring from the locking ring, the design allows the locking ring to have a minimized diameter that reduces contamination risk, while the operating ring provides the necessary operational features for user interaction.
Solution Approach 2:
The operating ring acts as an intermediary between the user and the locking mechanism. It transmits user input to the locking ring without requiring the locking ring itself to have a large diameter, thus preventing contaminant entrapment while maintaining ease of operation.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the locking ring is made with a narrow cylindrical inner wall to reduce contamination, then contamination risk is reduced, but it creates difficulties in manufacture and assembly
Solution Approach 1:
The separation of operating and locking rings allows the locking ring to have a simple, narrow cylindrical inner wall that is easy to manufacture, while the operating ring can have more complex features. This segmentation makes both components easier to manufacture and assemble compared to a single integrated ring.
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
This design minimizes contamination risk, simplifies material selection, and reduces the effort required for coupling by utilizing separate rings with different materials and actuating balls, enhancing the operational efficiency of fluidic connections.
Implementation Method 1
return means, for returning the locking ring to the locking position
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
Fluidic coupling element (1), comprising: a body (10); a locking ball (25); a locking ring (30), movable between a locking position, locking the locking ball (25) in a locking position, and a release position, releasing the locking ball (25); an actuating ball (27), for driving the locking ring (30) to the release position during coupling; and an operating ring (50), mounted around the locking ring (30) and comprising an internal radial wall (52), radially opposite the front annular portion (14) and whose diameter is less than the diameter of a cylinder (C52) coaxial with the body and comprising said actuating ball (27), the locking ring (30) comprising a radial shank (32) for being driven by the operating ring (50).