Quick Connector Chamber for Interchangeable Flow Control Inserts
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Manufacturers of quick connectors face the challenge of producing a large variety of connector types to accommodate different fluid flow functions, as flow control devices are often integrated into the connector structure, limiting versatility and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A modular quick connector design that incorporates a removable flow control insert, such as a float valve, allowing a single connector to perform various fluid flow functions by regulating fluid flow between interior passages through a chamber within the receptacle.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If flow control devices are integrated into the connector structure, then the connector can perform specific fluid flow functions, but manufacturers must produce a large variety of connector types to satisfy different fluid flow applications
Solution Approach 1:
The flow control device is segmented from the connector body into a separate insertable component. The connector body contains a chamber that can accept different flow control inserts (such as valves or flow restrictors), allowing the same connector body to perform different fluid flow functions by simply changing the insert, rather than manufacturing different integrated connector types for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector body is designed with a universal chamber that can accommodate multiple types of flow control inserts. This universal design allows a single connector body to perform multiple fluid flow functions (one-way flow, flow restriction, etc.) by switching between different inserts, eliminating the need for manufacturers to produce a large variety of specialized connector types.
2Adaptability or versatility
If different types of quick connectors are manufactured for different fluid flow applications, then specific fluid flow functions can be satisfied, but manufacturing efficiency and productivity decrease
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the flow control function into separate insertable components, the manufacturer only needs to mass-produce a single type of connector body in high volume. Different flow control inserts can be produced separately and installed as needed, significantly improving manufacturing efficiency compared to producing multiple varieties of integrated connectors.
Solution Approach 2:
The universal connector body design allows manufacturers to focus production resources on producing a high volume of a single connector body type, while meeting diverse fluid flow application requirements through the use of different inserts. This concentrates manufacturing efficiency while maintaining broad functional coverage.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
A connector and process for a quick connector (10) is disclosed that includes a receptacle (12) having first (18) and second (35) interior passages and a chamber (25) in fluid communication between the first and second passages. A flow control insert (50) is installed in the chamber to regulate fluid flow between the first and the second passage.