Fluid Coupling Device Radial Locking Tabs Barbed Fittings
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid coupling devices face challenges in convenient operation, secure coupling, and simplified manufacturing, particularly in quickly connecting to and disconnecting from male barbed fittings without relying on deformation-based interference fits, which complicates reconnection and can lead to leaks or pressure issues.
Innovation Solution
The fluid coupling device features a frame with radial locking tabs and an elastomeric sealing material that changes shape between compressed and non-compressed states, allowing for easy engagement and disengagement with male barbed fittings through a mechanical interlock, eliminating the need for deformation-based interference fits and enabling multiple reconnections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If deformation-based interference fits are used to connect male barbed fittings, then coupling security is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to difficulty in separation and reconnection
Solution Approach 1:
The locking tabs are designed to be movable between a locked position (engaging the male barbed fitting) and an unlocked position (releasing the fitting). This dynamic mechanism allows the coupling to transition from a secure locked state to an easily separable unlocked state, resolving the contradiction between coupling security and ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling device is divided into distinct functional components: locking tabs for secure engagement, a deflectable ring for actuation, and a body for fluid passage. This segmentation allows the locking mechanism to be independently operated from the fluid flow path, enabling secure coupling during normal operation and easy separation when needed.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple reconnections are attempted after deformation-based interference fits, then adaptability is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to leaks and pressure issues
Solution Approach 1:
The locking tabs are pre-positioned to engage with the male barbed fitting in a predetermined manner, ensuring proper alignment and secure engagement. This preliminary positioning action prevents improper connections and ensures that each reconnection maintains full pressure resistance, allowing multiple reconnections without compromising reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the deformation-based mechanical interference fit system with a mechanical interlock system using locking tabs and a deflectable ring. This substitution eliminates the cumulative damage and material fatigue associated with repeated deformation, enabling multiple reconnections while maintaining consistent pressure resistance and reliability.
3Ease of manufacture
If deformation-based interference fits are used, then ease of manufacture is improved, but device complexity increases due to deformation-based interference fits
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the deformation-based interference fit mechanism and replaces it with a mechanical interlock system using locking tabs. This extraction eliminates the complexity of controlling and ensuring proper deformation during assembly, while the locking tabs provide a simpler, more intuitive engagement mechanism that is easier to manufacture and assemble consistently.
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 configuration allows for convenient and leak-proof separation and reconnection of barbed fittings, improving operational efficiency and durability by facilitating multiple uses without compromising pressure resistance.
Implementation Method 1
an elastomeric sealing material that changes shape between compressed and non-compressed states
Data Source
AI summary
Fluid coupling devices for connecting to and disconnecting from a male barbed fitting to provide a continuous flow path or a flow termination point, include a frame and an elastomeric sealing material disposed about and at least partially encapsulating the frame. The frame can have a first end including a connecting element. The frame can also have a second end including a ring that has two inwardly directed, radial locking tabs. At least a portion of the sealing material can define a thru lumen. At least a portion of the thru lumen can include a tapered, inner portion configured to create a sealed connection with a male barbed fitting. The second end of the fluid coupling device, when compressed, can deflect the locking tabs in a radially outward direction for releasing the male barbed fitting.