Fluid Fitting With Integrated Management And Indexing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Facilities with fluid pressure sources require improved fluid fittings that can integrate fluid management devices for efficient fluid distribution and vacuum handling, while ensuring correct connection to fluid handling conduits to prevent misconnection and enhance functionality.
Innovation Solution
A fluid fitting with a mounting component, conduit adapter, and integrated fluid management devices such as flowmeters, regulators, and indicators, which can be mounted on various surfaces and equipped with indexing systems to ensure correct connection to fluid handling conduits, allowing multiple connections and functionalities like flow measurement and regulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If fluid fittings are integrated with fluid management devices, then functionality is enhanced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple fluid management functions (flow control, measurement, regulation) into a single integrated fluid fitting assembly. The housing contains multiple ports that connect to fluid handling conduits, with flow paths that enable various fluid management operations through integrated components rather than separate devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The fluid fitting is designed with multiple ports and flow paths that can handle different fluid management tasks simultaneously. The indexing system provides universal compatibility with various conduit types, while the integrated design allows the same fitting to perform flow measurement, regulation, and distribution functions through different port configurations.
2Reliability
If indexing systems are added to prevent misconnection, then reliability improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The indexing system automatically prevents misconnection through its mechanical design. The protrusions on the fitting must align with corresponding recesses in the conduit adapter, creating a self-checking mechanism that physically blocks incorrect connections without requiring additional active components or complex control systems.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple ports with fluid management devices are integrated, then versatility improves, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fluid fitting is designed as a modular assembly with a housing containing distinct flow paths for multiple ports. Each port can be independently configured with or without fluid management devices, allowing flexible manufacturing approaches where components can be assembled in different configurations based on specific application requirements.
Data Source
AI summary
A fluid fitting is described for use in facilities that have a plurality of surfaces, a source of fluid pressure, and at least one fluid handling conduit extending from the source of fluid pressure to one of the surfaces. The fluid fitting comprises a mounting component to enable the fluid fitting to be attached to a surface of the facility, a conduit adapter connectable to the fluid handling conduit, a port having a flow path to the conduit adapter to enable a fluid connection between the conduit adapter and the port, and a fluid management device located in the flow path.