Quick-connect fitting nozzle retention via air gap
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing quick-connect fittings for pneumatic tubes face challenges in nozzle retention during the bleed phase, with complex structures and reliance on springs for air flow control, which can lead to inefficiencies and increased manufacturing costs.
Innovation Solution
A simplified quick-connect fitting with a safety system that uses a snap ring with a flange and projecting spring to enhance nozzle retention during the bleed phase, eliminating the need for additional springs and improving air venting by creating an air gap and guiding the needle's movement, allowing for effective air flow control without complex spring mechanisms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a complex spring system is used to control air flow and retain the nozzle during the bleed phase, then the nozzle retention is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the complex spring system from the quick-connect fitting, extracting only the essential function of air flow control. The needle is designed to move directly under air pressure without spring assistance, eliminating unnecessary components while maintaining nozzle retention functionality during the bleed phase.
Solution Approach 2:
The needle is designed to be self-actuating, using the air pressure differential itself to move the needle and control the air flow. The high-pressure air directly pushes the needle to the closed position, and the low-pressure air during bleeding allows the needle to return, eliminating the need for external spring mechanisms.
2Manufacturing precision
If additional springs are added to improve air flow control, then the air flow control precision is improved, but the manufacturing cost and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the air flow control function from the spring mechanism and implements it through the geometric design of the needle and valve seat. The precision is achieved through the tapered needle geometry and its direct interaction with the valve seat, eliminating the need for additional spring components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical spring system with a pneumatic actuation system where air pressure directly moves the needle. This substitution maintains control precision while simplifying the mechanical structure and reducing manufacturing complexity.
3Ease of manufacture
If a simplified structure with fewer parts is used, then the manufacturing cost is reduced, but the nozzle retention during the bleed phase may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The simplified needle design uses the air pressure differential to automatically retain the nozzle during the bleed phase. The needle remains in position without additional retention mechanisms, as the pressure differential itself provides the necessary holding force, maintaining reliability while reducing part count.
Solution Approach 2:
The needle serves multiple functions: it controls air flow during normal operation, retains the nozzle during the bleed phase, and vents air when fully retracted. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate components, reducing manufacturing cost while maintaining reliability.
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 solution provides improved nozzle retention and air venting efficiency, reducing manufacturing costs and simplifying the structure while maintaining effective air flow control, allowing for easier assembly and operation with reduced material usage.
Implementation Method 1
The needle ring includes a pair of leaf springs that absorb clearances mounting arrangement, and the retainer ring is obtained in plastic material, being easily insertable into the cover
Implementation Method 2
The needle ring includes a pair of leaf springs that absorb clearances mounting arrangement
Data Source
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AI summary
Quick-connect fitting with safety system for pneumatic tubes comprising a terminal coupling (8), a spring (18), a valve (28), an O-ring (26), a connector body (38), a ring seal (36), an O-ring (6), a snap ring (78), a spring (98), a needle locking mechanism (65, 66), a ball (45, 46) and a lid (58), wherein the lid (58) and the snap ring (78) with apron (78f) form the slide (2), wherein an elastic needle ring (88) having at least one projecting spring (88a, 88a') is in contact with the inner wall (58a) of the lid (58), creating an opening (88g), a cavity (88b, 88b') that constitutes an air gap or nozzle (88q) which guides the ball (45,46) towards the throat (12) of the nozzle (B), a needle guide (65, 66) by means of a four-cornered recess (88c), the depth of which is greater than the diameter of the needle (65, 66).