Fluidic Connector Locking Structure for Confined-Space Remote Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluidic connectors face challenges in accessibility and remote operation, especially in environments with interwoven pipes or hazardous conditions, and are limited in size, making it difficult to connect and disconnect pipes of larger diameters efficiently.
Innovation Solution
A fluidic connector design featuring two coupled parts with a locking mechanism that includes a solid tie-rod or screw passing through an opening, utilizing frustoconical surfaces for interference fit and angular abutments to control orientation, along with a seal and extractor for secure connection and disconnection, allowing for easy assembly and disassembly without requiring extensive space or manual access.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a screw-on outer ring locking mechanism is used to connect two aligned channels, then the connection can be demounted, but it becomes impossible to manoeuvre the ring due to the presence of other devices in its vicinity
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the locking mechanism from the conventional outer ring structure and integrates it directly into the body of the connector. The locking element is now a component that passes through an opening in the first part rather than being an external ring, eliminating the manoeuvrability issues caused by the outer ring while maintaining the demountable connection capability
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of having the locking mechanism as an external ring that surrounds the connector, the invention inverts the approach by having the locking element pass through an opening in the connector body. This structural inversion allows the locking mechanism to be operated without requiring access to the exterior circumference, solving the manoeuvrability problem in confined spaces
2Ease of operation
If bayonet connectors or locking connectors are used for remote operation, then remote manipulation is enabled, but they are limited to small pipe diameters typically less than 20 mm
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is divided into two separate parts that can be coupled together, with the locking mechanism integrated into this segmented structure. This segmentation allows the design to scale to larger diameters while maintaining remote operation capability, as each part can be independently sized and the locking mechanism can be proportionally scaled
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from the conventional small-diameter bayonet connector design to a new dimensional approach where the locking mechanism operates through an opening in the connector body. This dimensional change allows the same remote operation principle to be applied to larger pipe diameters by utilizing the internal structure rather than external manipulation
3Strength
If flanged assemblies with multiple screws or chains are used to connect larger diameter pipes, then connection strength is sufficient, but a large space is required around the flanges for mounting and demounting
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the locking function and sealing function into a single integrated mechanism that passes through an opening in the connector body. This consolidation eliminates the need for multiple separate components (flanges, multiple screws, chains) and their associated assembly spaces, while maintaining sufficient connection strength through the unified locking structure
Solution Approach 2:
The connector is segmented into two parts with an integrated locking mechanism that passes through an opening, allowing the connection to be made in a single location rather than requiring multiple access points around the flange. This segmentation enables the connection to be mounted and demounted in confined spaces while maintaining the strength needed for large diameter pipes
Data Source
AI summary
A fluidic connector intended to enable the circulation of a fluid and includes two parts configured to be coupled, each of the parts comprising a channel, the two channels communicating when the two parts are coupled, the fluid being intended to be conveyed by the two channels, and a locking mechanism configured to bear on a first of the two parts and to exert a force on a second of the two parts in order to hold the two parts in position when the two parts are coupled, the locking mechanism passing through an opening in the first of the two parts.