Fluidic Connection Unit With Bayonet Coupling for Robotic Sealing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing connection units for fluidic lines, particularly in aerospace and space station applications, face challenges in making secure connections under pressure, requiring complex and expensive solutions for movable sealing elements within male connectors and often necessitating manual operation due to threaded connections that are not suitable for robotic handling.

Innovation Solution

A connection unit featuring two identical female connectors and a double-male coupling element with a ring nut for fluidic connection, utilizing additive manufacturing for pressure-efficient channel designs and a bayonet coupling mechanism for simplified, automated connection, along with a key system for correct alignment and a ring nut rotation for fluidic seal establishment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a movable sealing element is implemented inside a male connector, then fluidic connection reliability is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefluidic connection reliabilityVSAvoidconnector structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent inverts the traditional sealing element arrangement by placing the movable sealing element in the female connector instead of the male connector. This reversal maintains fluidic connection reliability while significantly simplifying the male connector structure, eliminating the need for complex movable sealing mechanisms in the male component.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The movable sealing element is extracted from the male connector and relocated to the female connector. This extraction removes the complexity and high manufacturing costs associated with implementing movable sealing mechanisms in male connectors, while the sealing function is preserved through the female connector's sealing element.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Strength

If a threaded connection is used for coupling, then connection strength is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to inability to perform automated robotic handling

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection strengthVSAvoidautomated handling capability

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the traditional threaded mechanical coupling system with a bayonet coupling mechanism. This substitution maintains connection strength through positive mechanical engagement while enabling automated robotic handling, as the bayonet coupling can be engaged and disengaged through simple rotational motion that is easily automated.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Ease of operation

If a bayonet coupling mechanism is used, then ease of operation and automated handling are improved, but connection strength may be reduced compared to threaded connections

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautomated handling capabilityVSAvoidconnection strength

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the bayonet coupling mechanism with a locking feature that combines rotational engagement with axial positioning. This integration ensures that the coupling provides both the ease of automated operation characteristic of bayonet couplings and the connection strength necessary for reliable fluidic connections under pressure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Reliability

If traditional connection units are used, then fluidic connection is achieved, but pressure waves are not absorbed leading to potential damage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection reliabilityVSAvoidpressure wave damage

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent incorporates a cushioning mechanism that absorbs pressure waves before they can cause damage to the connection or surrounding systems. This beforehand cushioning protects the fluidic connection system from the harmful effects of pressure surges while maintaining connection reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Data Source

PatentEP4176193B1Connection units for quick connection/disconnection fluidic lines

Publication Date: 2023.11.15 THALES ALENIA SPACE ITALIA SPA CON UNICO SOCIO

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AI summary

A connection unit comprising two female connectors (2, 3) configured to be connected to respective circuit branches of a fluidic line and a coupling element (4) for coupling said connectors (2, 3) together and establish a fluidic connection between the circuit branches, wherein said connectors (2, 3) are provided with first, normally closed sealing elements (30) to define a sealing termination of said circuit branches when the connectors (2, 3) are disconnected from each other; the coupling element (4) includes a double-male connector (50) separable from the female connectors (2, 3) and provided with a pair of shanks (68) that can be coupled to the respective female connectors (2, 3) and a control element (70) movable between a first position where the coupling element (4) can be coupled to the connectors (2, 3) in a mechanical pre-coupling condition without fluidic connection between the female connectors (2, 3) and a second position where the shanks (68) of the double-male connector (50) engage the respective female connectors (2, 3) and establish a fluidic connection therebetween.