Modular Rotary Connector With Locking Tab Mechanism
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connecting systems for fluid components, such as pneumatic and hydraulic components, face issues with increased assembly time, width, and potential leak points due to the use of tapered threaded ports and screws, and require separate systems for different thread formats, leading to inventory complexities and tool dependency.
Innovation Solution
A modular coupling system featuring a connector with a cylindrical center section, radially extending wings, and flanges, which allows for zero-space assembly and uses snap openings and alignment tabs for secure rotation and locking without adding width, utilizing a locking tab mechanism for secure attachment and sealing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If tapered threaded ports and screws are used to connect fluid components, then secure attachment and sealing are achieved, but assembly time increases and tool dependency is required
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is divided into separate functional elements: a body portion with integrated sealing features and a distinct locking mechanism with locking tabs. This segmentation allows the locking tabs to engage with slot features in a snap-fit manner without requiring threaded fasteners or additional sealing components, thereby reducing assembly time while maintaining secure attachment and sealing reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing feature is merged directly into the connector body through an integrated O-ring groove and sealing surface design. This eliminates the need for separate sealing elements and simplifies the assembly process, allowing the connector to achieve both secure attachment and sealing in a single integration step without requiring additional tools or assembly operations
2Adaptability or versatility
If tapered threaded ports are used on component ends, then fitting installation is enabled, but assembly width increases and inventory complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connector body is designed with a universal interface that integrates both the sealing function and the connection function in a single component. The standardized body design with integrated O-ring groove and locking tab features allows the same connector type to be used across different applications, eliminating the need for separate threaded port fittings and reducing assembly width while maintaining fitting installation capability through the locking mechanism
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate connection systems are used for different thread formats, then various thread types are supported, but device complexity and inventory requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
A single standardized connector design with integrated locking tabs and O-ring sealing features serves as a universal connection system that can replace multiple specialized connection systems for different thread formats. This universal design maintains adaptability by providing consistent sealing and locking functionality across various applications while significantly reducing device complexity and eliminating the need to stock multiple connection system variants
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 2a
Figure 2b
AI summary
A modular coupling system comprises a connector (200, 201) having a generally cylindrical center section (224) with a bore (208) extending from a front face (206) of the connector (200, 201) through to a back side of the connector. The connector (200, 201) has a first (220) and a second wing (222) extending from the generally cylindrical center section (224) of the connector (200, 201). A first flange (202) extends from a front side of the first wing towards a top side of the connector (200, 201), and a second flange (204) extends from a back side of the first wing towards a bottom side of the connector (200, 201). A third flange (202) extends from a front side of the second wing towards the bottom side of the connector (200, 201), and a second flange (204) extends from a back side of the first wing towards the top side of the connector (200, 201).