Quick-Connect Element With Captive Plunger for Additive Manufacturing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing rapid fluid pipe connection technologies face limitations in additive manufacturing, particularly in creating sliding components due to incompatible orifice dimensions, which restrict the application of additive manufacturing techniques to specific types of fittings.
Innovation Solution
A monobloc fitting element with a pusher mechanism that slides along a longitudinal axis, guided by internal and external radial surfaces, allowing for precise manufacturing without the need for the pusher to be introduced during the manufacturing process, enabling the use of additive manufacturing for a wider range of fitting configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If additive manufacturing is used to manufacture the body and pusher simultaneously, then manufacturing complexity is reduced and productivity is improved, but the orifice dimensions become incompatible with installing sliding parts
Solution Approach 1:
The pusher is designed to be movable to a reference position during manufacturing where its external radial guide surfaces are clear of the internal radial guide surfaces of the body. This preliminary positioning allows additive manufacturing to complete both parts simultaneously without interference, while still enabling proper engagement during operation
Solution Approach 2:
The pusher is designed with mobility along the longitudinal axis, allowing it to transition between a reference position (for manufacturing) and operational positions (for function). This dynamic capability resolves the contradiction between manufacturing requirements and operational requirements
2Manufacturing precision
If the pusher is mounted captive in the body with engagement between radial guide surfaces, then guidance precision is improved, but the pusher cannot be introduced during additive manufacturing
Solution Approach 1:
The pusher is positioned in advance at a reference position during manufacturing where the radial guide surfaces are not engaged. This preliminary arrangement allows additive manufacturing to create both parts with high precision without requiring post-manufacturing assembly
Solution Approach 2:
The body and pusher are manufactured simultaneously as integrated components through additive manufacturing, combining what would traditionally be separate manufacturing and assembly processes into a single operation
Data Source
Figure 1A~1D
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
The present invention relates to a quick-connect element (2) comprising a one-piece body (6) and a plunger (14) captive and movable within the body. The body (6) is provided with at least one internal radial guide surface (644, 646). The plunger (14) is provided with at least one external radial guide surface (144, 146) that cooperates with the internal radial guide surface. Sections of a proximal opening (67) and a distal mouth (63) of the body (6) have maximum dimensions (D67, D60) smaller than a radial dimension (ℓ14, D14) of the plunger (14). The pusher is movable, within an internal volume of the body, to a reference position, in which the external radial surface (144, 146) of the pusher is clear of any internal radial surface (644, 646) of the body (6), and vice versa.