Fluid Line Connection Device With Dial-Actuated Securing Clip
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid line coupling mechanisms are cumbersome and prone to accidental release, requiring excessive user coordination and often feature protruding buttons or triggers that can lead to dislodging in outdoor or fast-paced environments.
Innovation Solution
A connection device with a securing clip and dial mechanism that allows for quick and secure attachment of a fluid line to a container or reservoir without the need for complex operations, featuring a recess with a clip head and legs, a dial with a catch that strains the clip into a release configuration, and a poppet to occlude the aperture when empty.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If threading mechanisms are used to couple fluid lines to containers, then secure connection is achieved, but operation speed decreases and user coordination requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling mechanism is divided into separate functional components: a dial assembly with a dial, a securing clip with legs, and a receptor. The dial rotates independently to strain the clip legs against the adaptor, separating the rotational input from the linear securing action, enabling quick operation without threading
Solution Approach 2:
The securing clip legs are designed to be flexible and deformable under strain. When the dial rotates, it dynamically strains the clip legs to transition from an engaged state to a released state, allowing rapid coupling and decoupling without manual manipulation of threaded components
2Ease of operation
If buttons or triggers are positioned externally for release, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability decreases due to accidental dislodging
Solution Approach 1:
The dial is positioned within the recess of the receptor, and the securing clip is nested within the dial assembly. The dial rotates within the recess to strain the clip legs, which are themselves nested within the channel space. This nested arrangement ensures that no release mechanism protrudes externally, preventing accidental dislodging while maintaining operational ease through the accessible dial
Solution Approach 2:
The dial acts as an intermediary mechanism between the user's rotational input and the securing clip legs. Instead of directly manipulating the clip legs or using external buttons, the user rotates the dial, which mediates the force transmission to strain and release the clip legs, providing both ease of operation and protection against accidental release
3Reliability
If complex coupling mechanisms are used to ensure secure connection, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple functions are merged into a single integrated assembly: the dial serves as both the user interface and the force transmission mechanism, the securing clip combines both securing and releasing functions through its flexible legs, and the receptor integrates the channel space, recess, and coupling structure. This merging reduces the number of separate components and simplifies the overall mechanism while maintaining secure connection
Solution Approach 2:
The securing clip legs are designed to automatically engage with the adaptor when inserted into the channel space, and the dial's rotation automatically strains the legs to release them. The flexible legs self-adjust to the adaptor's position, and the entire mechanism operates through simple rotational input without requiring complex control systems or multiple adjustment steps
Data Source
AI summary
A connection device is disclosed comprising a receptor having a recess; a securing clip at least partially inside the recess and comprising a clip head and a pair of clip legs, wherein the clip head has a receiving portion, wherein a portion of each of the pair of clip legs intrudes into a channel space of the connection device when the securing clip is in an unbiased configuration; and a dial comprising a first side and a second side, wherein the dial comprises a catch, wherein the catch is configured to intrude into the receiving portion, and wherein the dial is configured to strain the securing clip into a release configuration when the dial is rotated in a first angular direction.