Quick-Connect Coupling Clamp for Variable Terminal Diameters
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connector elements for quick connect couplings are prone to disconnection when the terminal's interface dimensions and quality vary, particularly when the terminal's diameter is smaller than the standard, leading to inadequate clamping and disengagement.
Innovation Solution
A connector element with a conical portion, a bush, elastic return members, and clamping pads that adjust radially to match the terminal's dimensions, ensuring reliable clamping through a combination of elastic forces and mechanical cooperation with the conical portion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the connector uses fixed-size jaws designed for standard terminal diameter, then the connector can be manufactured with simple geometry, but the connector fails to maintain reliable connection when terminal diameter varies or interface is worn
Solution Approach 1:
The connector employs dynamically adjustable jaws that can radially expand and contract to adapt to different terminal diameters. The jaws are no longer fixed in position but can move radially to maintain optimal contact with the terminal interface, whether the terminal is standard size, smaller than standard, or has a worn interface. This dynamic adjustment capability ensures reliable connection across varying conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector changes the geometric parameters of the jaws, specifically their radial position and clamping force, to match the actual terminal dimensions. By varying the jaw opening distance and clamping pressure based on terminal size, the connector maintains effective engagement even when terminal diameter deviates from nominal specifications or when the interface is worn.
2Reliability
If the connector uses a simple cylindrical body without conical portion, then the connector structure remains simple, but the connector cannot provide adaptive clamping force for terminals with varying dimensions
Solution Approach 1:
The connector replaces a simple cylindrical body with one featuring a conical portion. This conical geometry provides a tapered surface that facilitates the radial movement of the jaws. As the jaws move along the conical surface, they experience changing normal forces that enable adaptive clamping - the conical shape converts axial motion into radial clamping force, allowing the jaws to self-adjust to different terminal diameters and interface conditions.
3Reliability
If the connector uses elastic return members to provide continuous clamping force, then the connector maintains secure connection, but the connector structure becomes more complex with additional components
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic return members are configured to automatically exert clamping force on the jaws without requiring external actuation or control systems. The elastic elements continuously apply radial outward force to the jaws, causing them to press against the terminal interface. This self-actuating mechanism maintains secure connection through inherent elastic recovery, eliminating the need for complex control mechanisms while ensuring reliable clamping.
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 connector element maintains a secure connection with terminals of varying dimensions and quality, ensuring reliable fluid transfer even when the interface is not nominal or is worn, by dynamically adjusting the clamping force based on the terminal's dimensions.
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
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.