Fluid Coupling Locking Ring Layout for Compact Dust-Resistant Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluidic connection elements are constrained by dimensional limitations, preventing compactness and efficient fluid passage, particularly in dusty environments, due to the design of locking sleeves and springs that require specific radial dimensions.
Innovation Solution
A fluidic connection element with a washer interposed between the body and locking ring, allowing the spring to be positioned closer to the internal conduit, enabling the locking ring to be mounted rearwardly, pre-installing locking balls, and reducing spring tension for improved radial and longitudinal compactness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the locking sleeve and spring are designed with specific radial dimensions to ensure proper locking function, then the locking reliability is improved, but the radial compactness of the female connecting element deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from radial guidance to longitudinal guidance of the locking ring. The locking ring is guided in its longitudinal movement along the body by the interaction between the locking ring's internal surface and the body's external radial surface, eliminating the need for radial guidance surfaces and reducing radial dimensions while maintaining locking reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent removes the locking sleeve component entirely and integrates its functions directly into the body structure. The body now directly provides the guiding surface for the locking ring, eliminating the intermediate locking sleeve and reducing radial dimension constraints
2Ease of operation
If the locking ring is mounted from the front of the body with radial guidance surfaces, then the locking ring can be properly positioned, but the longitudinal compactness and radial thickness are increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the mounting direction from front-to-back to rear-to-front. The locking ring is now mounted from the rear of the body in the longitudinal direction, allowing the locking balls to be pre-installed in the receiving housings before the locking ring is placed, simplifying assembly and improving longitudinal compactness
3Volume of moving object
If the locking ring is designed with a small minimum internal diameter to improve compactness, then the radial compactness is improved, but the locking ring cannot be properly mounted around the body
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the mounting dimension from radial to longitudinal. The locking ring is mounted by sliding it onto the body in the longitudinal direction from the rear, rather than trying to fit it radially over the body. This allows the minimum internal diameter of the locking ring to be reduced for compactness while still enabling proper mounting
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 solution enhances radial and longitudinal compactness, improves ergonomics, and maintains efficient fluid passage while preventing jamming, especially in dusty conditions.
Implementation Method 1
a spring, mounted around the body and capable of pushing the locking ring back towards the advanced holding position
Implementation Method 2
locking balls, movable in receiving housings of the body between: an internal radial locking position, in which the locking balls protrude into the internal conduit to oppose withdrawal of the complementary fluidic fitting element
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
A fluidic connection element (1) comprising: a body (2); locking balls (3); a locking ring (5) that slides with the body (2) and has an internal radial overlap surface (51) for retaining and releasing the locking balls (3); a washer (7) for guiding the sliding of the locking ring (5), interposed between the body (2) and the locking ring (5); and a spring (63) interposed between the body (2) and the washer (7) to repel the locking ring (5) via a rear surface (57). The minimum internal diameter (D53) of the locking ring (5) behind the rear surface (57) is greater than or equal to the external diameter (D72) of the washer (7). The internal diameter (D71) of the washer (7) is strictly less than the diameter (D51) of the internal radial overlap surface (51).