Fluidic Connector Latch With Offset Actuation for Tight Spaces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing female fluidic connector elements struggle with ergonomics and accessibility, particularly when used with compact turbo nipples in confined spaces, where the locking mechanism is difficult to manipulate safely.
Innovation Solution
A female fluidic connector element with a latch mechanism that includes a tooth support with an elongated shape, allowing the tooth to be axially offset relative to the actuating surface, facilitating easier latch actuation, especially in crowded environments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the locking means is positioned close to the orifice to connect with the circumferential groove of the compact nipple, then the connection is secure, but the accessibility and ease of operation deteriorate due to obstructed access and dangerous proximity to hot walls
Solution Approach 1:
The invention offsets the actuating surface axially from the tooth along the main axis of the body. This dimensional separation allows the tooth to engage the circumferential groove close to the orifice for secure connection, while the actuating surface is positioned axially behind it to provide safe and accessible manual operation. The passage ring structure enables this axial offset arrangement.
Solution Approach 2:
The passage ring acts as an intermediary structure that connects the tooth (positioned near the orifice) to the actuating surface (positioned axially offset). This mediator allows the actuating force applied at the offset surface to be transmitted to the tooth for latch operation, resolving the conflict between connection security and operational accessibility.
2Volume of moving object
If the female element is designed for compact turbo nipples with the circumferential groove close to the wall, then the connection space is optimized, but the handling becomes impractical or dangerous
Solution Approach 1:
The invention resolves the handling danger by utilizing the axial dimension along the main axis. The actuating surface is positioned axially offset from the tooth, allowing operators to apply force from a safe distance away from the hot wall while the tooth remains positioned to engage the circumferential groove close to the orifice for compact connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The passage ring is designed with the actuating surface positioned in advance at a safe axial distance from the tooth. This preliminary positioning of the actuation point allows operators to safely engage the latch mechanism without exposing their hands to the harmful hot wall environment, while maintaining the compact connection geometry.
Data Source
AI summary
This female element is provided for rapid fluidic connection to a nipple including a circumferential groove and comprises a latch with a tooth able to penetrate the circumferential groove of the nipple. The latch also comprises a passage ring, which surrounds the body, and which cooperates with surfaces of the body so that the ring is guided in translation relative to the body according to a locking axis. The latch comprises a tooth support, which presents an elongated shape and connects the tooth to the passage ring, the tooth being axially offset toward the front of the through-ring. The latch also comprises an actuating surface, which is located opposite the tooth relative to the body.