Quick Connect Adaptor for Fluid Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing quick connect/disconnect systems for fluid systems restrict the connection of non-QCD components to fluid sources, limiting versatility and accessibility, especially in difficult-to-reach locations like house sillcocks.
Innovation Solution
A quick connect/disconnect system comprising a first component with a fluid channel and a mating assembly, and a second component with a threaded coupling portion and an adaptor coupling portion, allowing for both threaded and QCD connections, enabling flexible attachment of hoses, faucets, and other devices to fluid sources.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a traditional QCD system uses only a single quick-connect interface, then the connection speed is fast, but the adaptability to different component types is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The first component is designed with dual functionality: it includes both a quick-connect interface (cuff with locking tabs) and a threaded interface (internal threads). This allows the same component to accept both quick-connect adapters and threaded connectors, making the system universal and adaptable to different component types without requiring separate connection mechanisms
2Reliability
If a QCD system requires precise alignment of coupling portions, then the sealing reliability is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to alignment difficulty
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling portions utilize rotational symmetry and circular geometries. The locking tabs are distributed circumferentially around the cuff, and the adaptor coupling portion has radial symmetry. This allows the components to be connected without precise angular alignment - the user simply needs to insert the components coaxially, and the rotational symmetry ensures that any rotational position will achieve proper engagement and sealing
Data Source
AI summary
A quick connect/disconnect (QCD) system includes a first component and a second component. The first component includes a first body defining a first fluid channel extending between a first end portion and a second end portion and defining a longitudinal axis, a first QCD coupling portion located at the first end portion, a first adaptor coupling portion located at the second end portion, and a first mating portion of a mating assembly operably connected to the first body. The second component includes a second body defining a second fluid channel extending between a third end portion and a fourth end portion, a first threaded coupling portion located at the third end portion, a second adaptor coupling portion between the third end portion and the fourth end portion, and a second mating portion of the mating assembly operably connected to the second body.