Fluid Supply System Quick Connect Piston Seal
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Solution Overview
Problem
In dentistry, the existing fluid supply systems require depressurization and complex procedures for installing or removing pressurized fluid bottles, which is time-consuming and prone to errors, especially in busy environments where the liquid level in the bottle may not be easily monitored, leading to frequent refills and increased operational complexity.
Innovation Solution
A fluid supply system with a quick connect receptacle and a piston-operated seal allows for the connection and disconnection of fluid bottles without depressurization, using a pivot mechanism that automatically bleeds off pressure and eliminates the need for twisting or threading, enabling seamless bottle installation and removal while maintaining air supply.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional fluid supply systems are used, then fluid bottles can be installed or removed, but the system requires depressurization and complex procedures which increases time consumption and operational complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary depressurization automatically through the piston mechanism before bottle removal is initiated. The piston is pre-positioned to seal the fluid path, and when the bottle is removed, the piston automatically translates to equalize pressure without requiring manual intervention or system shutdown.
Solution Approach 2:
The system serves itself by automatically managing the depressurization process through the piston's automatic translation. The piston mechanism self-activates upon bottle removal to equalize pressures, eliminating the need for operators to manually control pressure release or follow complex procedures.
2Ease of operation
If traditional fluid supply systems are used, then fluid bottles can be installed or removed, but the system requires complex procedures including twisting and threading which increases operational complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The connection mechanism is segmented into distinct functional components: the quick connect receptacle, the bottle interface, and the piston mechanism. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently - the receptacle provides the connection interface, the piston manages sealing and pressure - simplifying the overall operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The traditional mechanical threading and twisting connection system is replaced with a pneumatic-actuated piston system. Instead of requiring manual mechanical engagement through twisting, the system uses pneumatic pressure to automatically translate the piston for sealing and pressure equalization, reducing mechanical complexity.
3Duration of action of stationary object
If pressurized air supply is maintained during bottle changes, then continuous air supply is achieved, but pressure differential may prevent proper sealing during installation
Solution Approach 1:
The piston is pre-positioned in a retracted state during bottle installation, creating a sealed chamber that isolates the installation interface from the pressurized air supply. This preliminary positioning allows the bottle to be installed and sealed before pressure equalization occurs, ensuring reliable sealing while maintaining continuous air supply.
Solution Approach 2:
The piston acts as an intermediary element between the pressurized air supply and the bottle installation interface. It creates an intermediate sealed chamber that temporarily isolates the installation zone from high pressure, allowing reliable sealing during installation, then automatically translates to equalize pressure for removal operations.
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 solution simplifies the fluid supply process by reducing the time and training required for operators, minimizing errors, and allowing for continuous air supply during bottle changes, enhancing operational efficiency and convenience in dental procedures.
Implementation Method 1
Pressurized air or other suitable gas supplied to the fluid supply system causes a piston housed within the fluid supply subsystem to translate toward the fluid bottle subsystem, thereby sealing an interface between the fluid supply subsystem and the fluid bottle subsystem
Implementation Method 2
The pressurized air or gas also causes a fluid (e.g., a coolant or rinse liquid) within the fluid bottle subsystem to flow through the piston and out of the fluid supply subsystem where it may be used
Data Source
AI summary
A fluid supply system includes a fluid supply subsystem and a fluid bottle subsystem. Pressurized air or other suitable gas supplied to the fluid supply system causes a piston housed within the fluid supply subsystem to translate toward the fluid bottle subsystem, thereby sealing an interface between the fluid supply subsystem and the fluid bottle subsystem. The pressurized air or gas also causes a fluid (e.g., a coolant or rinse liquid) within the fluid bottle subsystem to flow through the piston and out of the fluid supply subsystem where it may be used. The fluid supply system enables the fluid bottle subsystem to be installed or uninstalled from the fluid supply subsystem without requiring bleeding off of the air or gas supplied to the fluid supply system and/or without requiring the fluid bottle subsystem to be rotated or twisted into place relative to the fluid supply subsystem.