Fluid Coupling Element With Radial Clamping Valve Actuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing coupling elements for fluidic connections with cylindrical terminals are bulky and have limited fluid flow cross-sections due to their design, which depends on the geometry of the connector and requires axial surfaces for actuating the valve, leading to suboptimal performance when the connector geometry is inaccurate or worn.
Innovation Solution
A coupling element with a movable barrel body and clamping tabs that radially translate to engage the terminal, using a transmission mechanism to actuate the valve, eliminating the need for axial surfaces and allowing the valve to open automatically when uncoupled, thus reducing bulk and increasing fluid flow cross-section.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the coupling element uses a valve actuated by axial surfaces of the connector, then the valve can be opened, but the coupling element becomes bulky and the fluid flow cross-section is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the axial surface requirement from the connector design by implementing a valve actuation mechanism that uses radial clamping tabs instead. The tabs translate radially to engage with the connector's outer cylindrical surface, eliminating the need for axial actuating surfaces and reducing the coupling element's bulk while maintaining reliable valve actuation.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the dimension of engagement from axial (requiring flat surfaces) to radial (using cylindrical surfaces). The clamping tabs move radially to clamp onto the connector's outer cylindrical surface, transforming the interaction geometry and eliminating the need for axial actuating surfaces, thereby reducing bulk and increasing fluid flow cross-section.
2Ease of operation
If the coupling element design depends on connector geometry, then the valve can be actuated, but the performance becomes suboptimal when connector geometry is inaccurate or worn
Solution Approach 1:
The invention implements a self-adjusting mechanism where the radial clamping tabs automatically adapt to variations in connector geometry. The tabs translate radially to engage the connector's outer cylindrical surface, and the elastic return member automatically compensates for geometric inaccuracies or wear, maintaining reliable valve actuation and fluidic connection without depending on precise connector geometry.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses an elastic return member that allows the clamping tabs to flex and adapt to variations in connector geometry. The elasticity parameter enables the system to accommodate geometric inaccuracies or wear while maintaining effective radial clamping and reliable valve actuation, improving robustness against manufacturing tolerances and wear.
3Volume of moving object
If the coupling element uses radial clamping tabs with elastic return member, then the bulk is reduced and fluid flow cross-section is increased, but the valve must open automatically when uncoupled
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the valve actuation function with the clamping tab mechanism. The same radial translation of the clamping tabs that engages the connector also actuates the valve through a transmission mechanism. When uncoupled, the elastic return member automatically returns the tabs to their initial position, which simultaneously closes the valve, eliminating the need for a separate automatic opening mechanism and reducing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces a transmission mechanism as an intermediary between the radial clamping tabs and the valve. This transmission mechanism converts the radial motion of the tabs into axial valve movement, enabling automatic valve operation coupled with the clamping action. The elastic return member serves as another intermediary that automatically reverses the motion when uncoupled, simplifying the overall control system.
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 enables a coupling element that automatically opens and closes based on the terminal's diameter, reducing bulk and enhancing fluid flow capacity without relying on the connector's geometry, ensuring reliable fluidic connections even with varying terminal dimensions.
Implementation Method 1
a first elastic return member, returning the barrel body forwards, the barrel body abutting along the forward direction against the clamping tabs when the clamping tabs are in the radial clamping position
Data Source
AI summary
A coupling element for a terminal with cylindrical shell includes a coupling body; a valve; a barrel body movable in translation; clamping tabs, moved by cooperation with a tapered portion of the coupling body, between initial and clamping radial positions; means of transmission. The barrel body or the clamping tabs being apt to drive the valve via the means of transmission, from a forward position of closing of the body to a rear open position, when the clamping tabs move from the initial radial position to the radial clamping position; and a port in the coupling body letting through the means of transmission when the valve is in the rear position.