Push-to-Connect Coupling with Integrated Filtration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing couplings for fluid transport systems are time-consuming and expensive to manufacture, require specialized tools, and lack easily serviceable and replaceable filtration features, leading to contamination issues and inefficiencies in fluid transport systems.
Innovation Solution
A push-to-connect coupling with integrated filtration, featuring a tube support and collet that apply clamping force to secure a filter element, allowing for easy installation, disassembly, and filtration of fluids, using a collet with flexible fingers and a cavity design that includes a reduced and increased diameter section to facilitate tube connection and disconnection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If existing couplings are used to connect tubes in fluid transport systems, then the connection function is achieved, but the manufacturing process is time-consuming and expensive, and specialized tools are required for installation
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling device is divided into distinct modular components: a body portion with internal threading, a separate tube support with external threading, and a collet mechanism. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured independently using standard machining processes, reducing overall manufacturing complexity and cost while enabling tool-free assembly through simple threading operations
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling body is designed with universal threading configurations that can accommodate various tube sizes and connect to different fluid transport components. The internal threads and external threads can be standardized to work with multiple device types, eliminating the need for specialized installation tools and reducing manufacturing variety requirements
2Ease of repair
If existing couplings are used without integrated filtration, then the connection is achieved, but filtration components are not easily serviceable and replaceable at low cost
Solution Approach 1:
The filter element is designed as a separate, removable component that can be independently accessed and replaced. The filter is positioned within the coupling body but can be removed through the open end without disassembling the entire coupling, allowing for easy maintenance and replacement while maintaining continuous fluid filtration capability
Solution Approach 2:
The filter element is designed to be easily accessible and replaceable by the end user without requiring specialized tools or technical expertise. The open end configuration allows users to simply reach in and replace the filter element themselves, eliminating the need for professional service intervention
3Ease of operation
If a collet with flexible fingers is used to secure the tube, then easy connection and disconnection is achieved, but the clamping force must be precisely controlled to prevent tube damage
Solution Approach 1:
The collet features flexible fingers that can dynamically adjust their clamping force based on the tube's properties and insertion depth. The fingers bend and conform to the tube surface, automatically distributing the clamping force evenly to prevent localized stress concentrations that could damage the tube, while still providing sufficient holding force for secure connection
Solution Approach 2:
The collet is designed with varying finger stiffness and geometry parameters that allow it to adapt to different tube diameters and wall thicknesses. By changing the physical parameters of the collet structure, it can maintain optimal clamping force across a range of tube types without requiring external adjustment mechanisms
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The push-to-connect coupling enables quick and cost-effective fluid connections with integrated filtration, reducing contamination and maintenance costs by allowing for easy filter access and replacement, enhancing the reliability of fluid transport systems.
Implementation Method 1
The collet and cavity may interact to apply a clamping force to the tube by the collet to secure the tube over the tube support inside the cavity
Implementation Method 2
The filter element comprises a series of openings configured to filter fluid flowing therethrough
Data Source
AI summary
A push-to-connect coupling with integrated filtration is disclosed. In one aspect, the coupling comprises a tube support, a collet and a filter element. The coupling may include a seal. The coupling connects to a cavity, which may be a portable fitting. The cavity may be a connection on a separate device or system, such as an air tank or other devices. The filter element may be dome-shaped. The tube support is easily assembled with the cavity, for example by threading, to capture the filter element. The tube is connected to the coupling by pushing the tube over the tube support and through the collet. The collet interacts with a reduced diameter section of the cavity to apply a clamping force from the collet on the tube and secure the tube in place. The tube is easily removed from the cavity simply by pushing the collet farther into the cavity to remove the clamping force on the tube, and then pulling the tube out.