Male Connector Holder Structure for Precise Chemical Line Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing automatic chemical supply apparatus faces issues with accurate alignment of male connectors due to misalignment of central axes between the male connector and the hose flange, leading to potential damage and accidents during chemical transfer, primarily caused by the deformable nature of Teflon materials and improper fastening of buffer flanges.
Innovation Solution
A male connector holder with a support plate, lower clamping holder, lower support pad, and upper support pad is designed to align the male connector by vertically pressing the neck region, ensuring the central axis alignment and secure fastening with a buffer flange, utilizing a second key code block for chemical identification and preventing misinjection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the male connector is made of Teflon material for chemical resistance, then chemical compatibility is improved, but alignment precision deteriorates due to material deformability
Solution Approach 1:
The male connector is divided into a Teflon neck region (for chemical resistance) and a metal head region (for structural stability and alignment). The metal head includes a buffer flange with bolt holes for precise fastening, while the Teflon neck provides chemical compatibility. This segmentation allows each part to fulfill its specific function without compromising the other.
Solution Approach 2:
The male connector uses a composite structure combining Teflon and metal materials. The neck region is made of Teflon for chemical resistance, while the head region is made of metal for structural integrity and alignment precision. This composite approach resolves the contradiction between chemical compatibility and alignment precision by assigning different materials to different functional zones.
2Strength
If the buffer flange is fastened with multiple bolts and nuts, then connection strength is improved, but alignment accuracy deteriorates due to improper fastening
Solution Approach 1:
The holder includes alignment guides and positioning structures that pre-align the male connector with the female connector before fastening. The support plate and clamping holder are designed to guide the connector into correct position, ensuring central axis coincidence before the bolts and nuts are tightened. This preliminary alignment prevents misalignment even when multiple fasteners are used.
3Ease of manufacture
If the holder structure is simplified for ease of manufacture, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but alignment capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The holder is designed with self-aligning features such as guide rails, positioning pins, and clamping mechanisms that automatically align the male connector with the female connector during the fastening process. The support plate and clamping holder work together to guide the connector into correct position without requiring complex external alignment equipment or manual adjustment, achieving precise alignment through the holder's own structure.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a male connector holder for an automatic chemical supply apparatus in which, before a chemical is supplied, a neck region of a male connector is pressed through a clamping holder and a support pad to perform alignment on the male connector so that the male connector may be accurately fastened to a female connector.