Fluid Connector Spring Extraction Reduces Coupling Force
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Solution Overview
Problem
Couplings with large diameters face significant friction forces during coupling and uncoupling, requiring substantial operator effort to overcome friction and spring compression, and the existing spring-based return mechanism can be altered by pressure, leading to unreliable connections.
Innovation Solution
A connector design where a coupling member secures the sealing ring in the uncoupled configuration and then releases to facilitate axial coupling with the complementary element, eliminating the need for a central spring within the fluidic channel and reducing coupling forces, while ensuring a reliable axial connection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a spring is integrated into the coupling to return the valve to closed position, then the valve can return to closed position, but the coupling forces increase significantly and the spring operation risks being altered by compressed air pressure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the spring from the fluidic channel and relocates it to the exterior of the coupling element. This extraction eliminates the interference between spring operation and compressed air pressure while reducing the coupling force requirement, as the spring no longer needs to operate within the pressurized fluid path.
2Reliability
If the locking ring covers the coupling balls to block them, then axial connection reliability is improved, but the assembly complexity increases and coupling forces increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic blocking mechanism where the body of the complementary coupling element temporarily blocks the coupling balls during assembly, then releases them to engage with the locking ring. This dynamic approach maintains connection reliability while simplifying the assembly process compared to permanent blocking structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling balls are preliminarily positioned and blocked by the complementary coupling element body before final engagement with the locking ring. This preliminary action ensures proper alignment and reduces assembly complexity by pre-positioning the balls in their correct engagement location.
3Reliability
If the sealing ring is pushed back elastically towards closed position during coupling, then the sealing function is maintained, but the coupling forces increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the spring from the internal fluidic channel and positions it externally, allowing the sealing ring to be pushed back by fluid pressure alone during coupling without the additional resistance of spring compression. This separation maintains the sealing function while significantly reducing the required coupling force.
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 design reduces coupling efforts, enhances connection reliability, and maintains simplicity by separating the coupling member's operations with the coupling and complementary elements, eliminating the need for a central spring and minimizing the impact of fluid pressure on the sealing ring's return.
Implementation Method 1
a spring (144) which pushes the sealing ring (120) towards a closing configuration of the coupling
Implementation Method 2
the forces due to friction during the coupling and uncoupling phases are significant forces
Data Source
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AI summary
This fluidic fitting comprises a connecting element (100) and a complementary connecting element (200), adapted to couple to each other along a coupling axis (XX, YY). The connecting element (100) includes a body (101) defining a fluid flow channel, a locking device adapted to axially lock the body (101) with a body (202) of the complementary element, and a movable sealing ring between a position of closing the flow channel, when the fitting is in the uncoupled configuration, and an open position in which the fluid can flow through the fitting.The sealing ring includes a housing for a coupling member (131) with the possibility of movement between a first position, in which the coupling member (131) axially secures the body (101) of the connecting element (100) to the sealing ring in the closed position, and a second position, in which the coupling member (131) axially secures the body (202) of the complementary connecting element (200) to the sealing ring in the open position. The connecting element (100) includes a locking member adapted to lock the coupling member (131) in its first position and to cooperate with the body (202) of the complementary connecting element (200), to allow the coupling member (131) to move from the first to the second position.