Fluid Connector Locking for Remote Coupling in Tight Spaces
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluidic connectors face challenges in accessibility and remote operation, particularly in environments with tangled pipes or hazardous conditions, where conventional connectors are difficult to mount and dismount, especially for larger pipe diameters and in situations requiring remote maintenance.
Innovation Solution
A fluidic connector design utilizing frustoconical surfaces for alignment and a locking mechanism with a screw or alternative traction systems, combined with a flat support for positioning and angular stops, allowing for secure coupling and decoupling, and featuring a tool for remote operation, including an extractor for safe disconnection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If conventional connectors with screw outer rings are used for alignment and locking, then connection stability is improved, but accessibility and ease of operation deteriorate in environments with tangled pipes or hazardous conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is divided into two separable parts: a first part with a female frustoconical surface and a second part with a male frustoconical surface. This segmentation allows the connector to be assembled and disassembled by simply pushing the parts together along the cone axes, eliminating the need for complex screw operations and improving accessibility in confined spaces.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using a screw mechanism that requires rotational motion and significant space, the invention uses a push-to-connect mechanism where the male frustoconical surface is inserted into the female frustoconical surface. This inverted approach transforms a complex rotational locking operation into a simple linear insertion motion, greatly improving ease of operation in hazardous or confined environments.
2Strength
If flanges with multiple screws are used for larger pipe diameters, then connection strength is improved, but device complexity and space requirements worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The connector for larger diameters is segmented into two parts with complementary frustoconical surfaces. The male part includes a frustoconical surface with an axial hole, while the female part has a matching frustoconical surface. This segmentation allows the connector to be assembled by simple insertion without requiring multiple screws or complex mounting procedures, reducing device complexity while maintaining connection strength through the conical interface.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If remote operation tools are implemented for hazardous environments, then operator safety is improved, but device complexity and operation difficulty worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The connector design inverts the conventional approach by eliminating the need for complex remote manipulation tools. Instead of requiring remote screw tightening or flange manipulation, the connector uses a push-to-connect mechanism where the male frustoconical surface is simply inserted into the female frustoconical surface. This allows remote operation using simple linear pushing motion, greatly improving ease of remote operation while maintaining operator safety in hazardous environments.
Data Source
Figure 1a~2a
Figure 2b~2c
Figure 2d~2e
AI summary
The invention relates to a fluidic connector intended to allow the circulation of a fluid and comprising two parts (12, 14) configured to be coupled, each of the parts (12, 14) comprising a channel (16, 18), the two channels (16, 18) communicating when the two parts (12, 14) are coupled, the fluid being intended to be conducted through the two channels (16, 18) and a locking mechanism (30, 36; 31, 33; 39, 40) configured to bear against a first (14) of the two parts and to exert a force on a second of the two parts (12) in order to ensure the holding in position of the two parts (12, 14) to each other when the two parts (12, 14) are coupled, the locking mechanism (30, 36) passing through an opening (37) of the first of the two parts (14).