Fluid Connector Pin Assembly for Lower Engagement Force
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current fluidic connectors require a high force for manual engagement due to the need to spread a metal pin's branches to secure the male connector, making assembly difficult for operators.
Innovation Solution
The pin is pre-stressed to an intermediate configuration, reducing the force required for engagement by allowing the male connector to move it from a non-functional to a functional position, lowering the necessary force and simplifying assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the pin branches are kept in a close configuration to ensure strong axial retention, then the locking reliability is improved, but the force required to engage the male connector becomes excessively high
Solution Approach 1:
The pin is pre-stressed during assembly to an intermediate configuration where the branches are partially separated (distance D3) but not fully separated (distance D2). This preliminary action reduces the engagement force needed while maintaining sufficient axial retention, as the branches are already partially prepared for the locking action.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the parameter of pin branch separation distance from two extreme states (fully close at D1 or fully separated at D2) to an intermediate state (D3) during assembly. This parameter change allows the system to achieve both reduced engagement force and adequate axial retention by operating in an intermediate regime rather than at extremes.
2Ease of operation
If the pin branches are fully separated to allow easy disengagement, then the ease of operation is improved, but the axial retention capacity is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The pin is designed to be dynamically deformable between different configurations. During normal operation, the branches maintain a close configuration (distance D1) for strong axial retention. During disengagement, the branches can be fully separated (distance D2) to release the lock. The intermediate configuration (distance D3) during assembly provides a transition state that facilitates both locking and unlocking operations.
3Reliability
If the male connector engagement force is increased to ensure proper seating, then the connection reliability is improved, but the difficulty of manual assembly increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pin is pre-stressed to an intermediate configuration before the male connector is fully engaged. This preliminary preparation of the pin reduces the force peak required during engagement, making manual assembly easier while still ensuring proper seating and reliable connection through the subsequent elastic return to the close configuration.
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 reduces the assembly force needed, making it easier for operators to connect fluidic connectors while maintaining axial retention, enhancing operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
the pin being elastically deformable by separation and bringing together of its branches and being able to adopt several configurations
Implementation Method 2
the male connector comprises a part configured to be engaged in the female connector and having an external diameter which is greater than D3, so that, when the male connector is engaged in the female connector, this part cooperates directly with said portions to move the pin from its non-functional position to its functional position
Data Source
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AI summary
Fluidic connector (10), comprising: - a female tubular fitting (14), - a male tubular fitting (12), and - a metal pin (16) having a general U-shape mounted astride the female fitting (14), characterized in that the pin (16) is axially mobile on the female fitting (14) from a non-functional position in which its branches (16a, 16b) are held apart by the female fitting (14), to a functional position in which said portions (31) are located at the level of at least one light (32) of the female fitting (14) and are able to pass through it by elastic return, and in that the male fitting (12) includes a part (12a2) configured to be engaged in the female fitting (14) and to cooperate directly with the branches (16a, 16b) of the pin (16) in order to move it from its non-functional position to its functional position.