Female Fluid Coupling Lock With Offset Actuation for Compact Nozzles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing female fluid connector elements are difficult to handle and operate, especially when used with compact turbo tips in confined spaces, due to the proximity of locking mechanisms to the connector mouth.
Innovation Solution
A female fluid connector element with a lock mechanism that includes a tooth and an actuating surface, where the tooth and actuating surface are axially offset from each other, allowing for easier operation and improved ergonomics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the locking means is positioned close to the mouth of the female element to enable connection with compact turbo tips in confined spaces, then the connector can be used in restricted environments, but the handling and operation of the locking mechanism becomes difficult and dangerous
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions the actuating surface on the lateral surface of the lock body rather than at the front end, utilizing the lateral dimension to provide operator access. This dimensional relocation allows the locking mechanism to engage with compact turbo tips while maintaining ergonomic access through the side of the connector body.
2Reliability
If the actuating surface is positioned close to the front of the female element to control the lock tooth, then the locking mechanism can engage compact tips, but the operator cannot safely access the actuating surface when the connector is mounted near hot walls
Solution Approach 1:
The actuating surface is relocated from the front axial position to the lateral surface of the lock body. This positional transformation in three-dimensional space removes the actuating surface from the thermal hazard zone near hot walls while preserving its functional connection to the lock tooth through the lock body structure.
3Reliability
If the lock mechanism is designed with a tooth that penetrates the circumferential groove of the tip, then secure locking is achieved, but the structure becomes more complex and harder to manufacture
Solution Approach 1:
The lock mechanism is segmented into distinct functional components: a lock body providing structural support, a lock tooth for engagement, and an actuating surface for operation. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently for its specific function while simplifying the overall manufacturing process.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
This female element (100) is provided for quick fluid connection to a nozzle (20) having a circumferential groove (40) and comprises a lock (140) with a tooth (150) capable of penetrating into the circumferential groove (40) of the nozzle. The lock also comprises a passage ring (142), which surrounds the body (102) and which cooperates with surfaces of the body so that the ring is guided in translation relative to the body along a locking axis (Z102). The lock comprises a tooth support (154), which has an elongated shape and which connects the tooth (150) to the passage ring, the tooth being axially offset towards the front of the passage ring. The lock also comprises an actuating surface (S156), which is located opposite the tooth (150) relative to the body (102).