Quick-Connect Clamp for Threaded Coupling Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid connection systems rely on threaded couplings, which can be time-consuming and require precise alignment, making quick and reliable connections challenging, especially in applications requiring rapid fluid transfer.
Innovation Solution
A quick-connect device that uses a male coupling with an elastically deformable seal to create a fluid-tight seal with a threaded female coupling without threading, utilizing a clamp and coupling fixture for alignment and sealing force, enabling rapid connection and disconnection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If threaded couplings are used to connect fluid sources, then reliable fluid-tight connections are achieved, but connection time increases and alignment precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling system is divided into two distinct parts: a male coupling with external threads and a female coupling with internal threads. The male coupling can be quickly inserted into the female coupling without requiring precise alignment, while the threaded connection ensures fluid-tight sealing. This segmentation allows rapid connection while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
A clamp mechanism serves as an intermediary device that applies radial clamping force to the male coupling, pressing it against the female coupling to create a fluid-tight seal. This intermediary mechanism enables quick connection without requiring manual threading operations, reducing connection time while ensuring reliable sealing.
2Reliability
If threaded couplings are used to connect fluid sources, then reliable fluid-tight connections are achieved, but alignment precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling system separates the threading function from the alignment function. The male and female couplings have self-aligning features that allow them to connect without precise alignment, while the threaded portions ensure fluid-tight sealing once connected. This reduces manufacturing precision requirements for alignment while maintaining connection reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamp mechanism changes the radial force parameter by applying clamping force to the male coupling, pressing it against the female coupling. This force application compensates for minor misalignments and ensures proper seating of the threaded connection, maintaining fluid-tight reliability without requiring high alignment precision.
3Productivity
If quick-connect mechanisms are used for rapid fluid transfer, then connection time decreases, but sealing reliability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp mechanism acts as an intermediary that quickly applies radial clamping force to the male coupling, pressing it against the female coupling to create an immediate fluid-tight seal. This intermediary action enables rapid connection while ensuring sealing reliability through mechanical force application.
Solution Approach 2:
The male coupling is pre-configured with threading and sealing surfaces that are ready to engage with the female coupling. When the clamp applies force, the pre-prepared threading and sealing features immediately create a reliable seal, enabling quick connection without compromising sealing integrity.
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
Facilitates quick, reliable, and leak-proof connections to threaded female couplings, accommodating dimensional variations, and supports rapid fluid transfer and testing applications.
Implementation Method 1
The clamp is configured to impart sealing and non-threaded engagement of the at least one male coupling with the at least one threaded female coupling to create a fluid-tight seal therebetween
Implementation Method 2
A quick-connect device that uses a male coupling with an elastically deformable seal to create a fluid-tight seal with a threaded female coupling
Data Source
AI summary
A quick-connect fluidly and sealingly connects a source of pressurized fluid to a threaded female coupling. A coupling fixture removably holds the threaded female coupling. A male coupling is insertable into the threaded female coupling. A clamp operatively connects to the male coupling. The clamp linearly moves relative to the coupling fixture to insert the stem of the male coupling into the threaded female coupling. The clamp imparts sealing and non-threaded engagement of the one male coupling with the threaded female coupling to create a fluid-tight seal therebetween.