Quick-Disconnect Conveyance Tubes for Leak-Safe Air Seeder Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing air seeder systems face challenges with air line connections that are labor-intensive, prone to corrosion, air leakage, and require special tools for assembly, especially in larger seeders operating under higher pressures, necessitating quick and effective fluid seals.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a fluid line connection system featuring a female connector with internal grooves and external tabs, a locking ring, and sealing members, along with male connectors and fitting connectors, to facilitate easy assembly and secure sealing without the need for special tools.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If hose clamps are used to connect air lines, then connections can be made, but labor is required to individually handle and assemble them and special tools are needed for removal
Solution Approach 1:
The connection system is divided into separate male and female connector components, each with specific functional features. The female connector has an annular groove and retaining mechanism, while the male connector has a protruding tab, allowing for modular assembly without complex tools.
Solution Approach 2:
The connectors are designed to be self-assembling through their complementary features (groove and tab engagement). The retaining mechanism automatically secures the connection when components are mated, eliminating the need for external tools or complex assembly procedures.
2Reliability
If hose clamps are used to connect air lines, then connections can be made, but hose clamps are subject to severe environment leading to corrosion, stress corrosion, cracking, and binding
Solution Approach 1:
The design extracts the sealing function from the fastening function. The female connector includes an annular groove with a seal that creates the fluid barrier, while the male connector's tab engages with this groove for mechanical retention. This separation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function and made from materials resistant to environmental degradation.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection system employs different materials for different functions: the connectors appear to be made from corrosion-resistant materials (possibly plastic or treated metal), while the seal is made from a flexible elastomeric material that provides both sealing and environmental resistance. This composite approach ensures reliability in severe environments.
3Reliability
If hose clamps are used to connect air lines, then connections can be made, but air leakage occurs leading to inefficiency and possible loss of granular product
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing function is extracted and dedicated to a specific component - the annular groove in the female connector that receives and compresses the seal against the male connector's tab. This dedicated sealing interface ensures consistent, tool-free sealing that prevents air leakage while maintaining connection integrity.
4Productivity
If the number of air lines and connections increases in larger air seeders, then pneumatic distribution capability is improved, but labor requirements and assembly complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The connector design is universal and can be used for all air line connections in the system. The standardized male and female connector interfaces allow any air line to be connected to any corresponding port, simplifying system expansion. The same connector type handles both sealing and mechanical retention functions, reducing the variety of components needed as the system scales.
Data Source
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AI summary
A fluid line connection for a pneumatic distribution system for an agricultural air seeder (10) includes a female connector (70) having an inside diameter (92) with a groove (90) and a male connector (72) configured for internal assembly with the female connector (70). The male connector (72) has an external tab (91) that engages the groove (90) to retain the male connector (72) to the female connector (70) when the female connector (70) is rotatingly assembled with the male connector (72). The female connector (70) is removed by rotating and disassembling from the male connector (72) to access a conveyance tube or manifold for servicing these parts. A sealing member (120) is assembled between the male (72) and female (70) connectors to form a fluid seal. A primary tube (250) can be assembled between two fluid line connections (160) to form a quick connect assembly. A fitting connector (302) and a locking ring (300) are assembled with a fluid line connection (160) to retain a primary tube thereon for an air drill.