Quick Connect Coupling with Self-Adjusting Clamping Pads
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connector elements for quick connect couplings are prone to disconnection when the quality and dimensions of the terminal to be connected vary, particularly when the terminal's diameter is smaller than the nominal diameter for which the jaws are designed, leading to inadequate clamping or failure to engage.
Innovation Solution
A connector element with a conical portion and elastic return members that adjust the radial clamping pads' position based on the terminal's dimensions, ensuring reliable coupling through mechanical cooperation and elastic forces, independent of the terminal's nominal dimensions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the connector uses fixed-dimensional jaws designed for nominal terminal diameter, then the structure is simple, but the connector fails to reliably clamp terminals with varying dimensions or worn interfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The connector employs dynamic jaws that can radially adjust their position along the terminal interface. The jaws are mounted on radial translation mechanisms allowing them to move between retracted and clamping positions, enabling adaptation to different terminal dimensions while maintaining reliable connection
Solution Approach 2:
The connector changes the clamping parameter (radial position of jaws) based on the terminal's actual dimensions. By allowing radial adjustment of the jaws along the interface, the system adapts to variations in terminal diameter and interface quality, ensuring consistent clamping force and connection reliability
2Reliability
If the connector uses adjustable clamping pads with elastic return members, then the clamping force is maintained on terminals of varying dimensions, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connector uses self-adjusting clamping pads equipped with elastic return members that automatically adapt to the terminal's interface. The elastic mechanism provides self-regulating clamping force without external control, maintaining reliable coupling on terminals with varying dimensions or worn surfaces
Solution Approach 2:
The clamping pads are designed to dynamically adjust their radial position through elastic deformation. The elastic return members allow the pads to flex and conform to the actual terminal interface geometry, ensuring consistent contact and clamping force across different terminal conditions
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
Ensures reliable and secure coupling with terminals of varying dimensions and quality by maintaining clamping force through adjustable clamping pads, even when the terminal is worn or deviates from nominal specifications.
Implementation Method 1
a first elastic return member, which applies a first elastic return force on the bush, relative to the body, along a forward direction
Implementation Method 2
the clamping pads being moved in translation radially relative to the bush, within their respective housing, by mechanical cooperation of the clamping pads with the conical portion
Implementation Method 3
a second elastic return member, which is formed by a spring and which applies a second elastic return force on the bearing ring to place the bearing ring in tight contact with the terminal by means of the front face
Data Source
AI summary
A connector element (1), for a quick connect coupling to a terminal (3) having an interface (33) with a cylindrical enclosure, the connector element with a body delimiting an inner passage (43) for the fluid. In order for the connector to be able to be coupled reliably with terminals of variable dimensions and interface quality, the invention provides that the body has a conical portion (45) and that the connector element (1) has a movable bush (5), an elastic return member (8), which applies an elastic return force (F8) on the bush (5), and clamping pads (6) received in a respective housing (51) of the bush (5), the clamping pads being translated radially relative to the bush by mechanical cooperation with the conical portion, between a radial withdrawn position and a radial clamping position, to cooperate mechanically with the interface.