Quick Connector Seal Interface for Drip-Free Fluid Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing quick connectors for fluid under pressure suffer from dripping issues due to dimensional variations caused by manufacturing tolerances, leading to inefficiencies and environmental concerns, particularly in food and electronic applications.
Innovation Solution
A quick connector design featuring a male and female element with specific seal configurations, where the first and second seals come into contact during coupling and separate during uncoupling, providing a lasting sealing function and accommodating dimensional variations, and includes features like elastic return members and specific seal geometries to ensure effective fluid flow and minimize dripping.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If conventional seals are used at the interface between male and female elements, then dimensional variations from manufacturing tolerances are accommodated, but fluid accumulation in gaps causes dripping phenomena
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary sealing system consisting of first and second seals positioned at the distal ends of the male and female elements. These seals act as mediators that prevent fluid from entering the gap between moving parts, thereby eliminating the dripping phenomenon while still accommodating manufacturing tolerances. The seals are specifically positioned to contact each other when the valve is in its advanced position, creating a barrier against fluid leakage.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing surfaces of the first and second seals are designed to contact each other in advance when the valve reaches its advanced position, before complete coupling occurs. This preliminary contact establishes a sealing barrier that prevents fluid accumulation in the gap between the male and female elements, proactively preventing the dripping issue rather than reacting to it.
2Reliability
If multiple seals are positioned to contact during coupling, then sealing reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The first and second seals serve multiple functions simultaneously: they provide the primary sealing barrier against fluid leakage, accommodate dimensional variations from manufacturing tolerances, and prevent fluid accumulation in the gap between moving parts. By designing these seals to contact each other during coupling, the patent achieves enhanced sealing reliability without proportionally increasing device complexity, as the same sealing components perform multiple critical functions.
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 effectively minimizes dripping risks and ensures reliable sealing across various applications, maintaining fluid flow efficiency and reducing the need for frequent decontamination, thus addressing the environmental and operational challenges posed by existing connectors.
Implementation Method 1
the first seal comprises a first front surface which is further forward than the first edge plane, along the first longitudinal axis; and the first and second front surfaces of the first and second seals are capable of coming into contact with each other when the male and female elements of the quick connector are fitted
Data Source
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AI summary
This quick-connect fitting (2) comprises a male element (4) and a female element (6), each comprising a male (42) or female (62) tubular body, a distal opening, and either a movable valve (46) or a push button (64) and a slide valve (66). A first sealing gasket (48) is partially housed in a groove of the male tubular body (42) and bears radially against a cylindrical surface of the movable valve (46) in its forward position. A second sealing gasket (68) bears radially against a cylindrical wall of the push button (64). The first sealing gasket (48) comprises a front surface (S48) that extends beyond a first edge plane (P4) along a longitudinal axis (X4) of the male tubular body (42). The second sealing joint (68) includes a front surface (S68) which is further forward than a second edge plane (P6), along a longitudinal axis (X6) of the female tubular body (62).The first and second front surfaces are adapted to come into contact with each other at the fitting of the male (4) and female (6) elements.