Rapid-Connect Gas Coupler with Spring-Loaded Probe and Latch Segments
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing rapid-connect gas couplers are inefficient due to time-consuming connection processes, inconsistent airtight seals, and inability to adapt to various types of socket inlets, leading to increased operational costs and potential operator injuries from repetitive motion.
Innovation Solution
A rapid-connect gas coupler design featuring a spring-loaded probe and latch segments that engage with a gas connector, allowing for quick coupling and adaptation to different inlet types through a biased ball cam mechanism, ensuring a secure seal and reducing operator strain.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a threaded fitting is screwed into the socket inlet to connect the gas cylinder, then a secure connection is achieved, but the operation becomes time-consuming and increases operational costs
Solution Approach 1:
The connection mechanism is divided into separate functional components: a coupler body with sealing elements, a latch mechanism for securing, and a probe for check valve actuation. This segmentation allows each component to perform its function independently and efficiently, enabling rapid connection without time-consuming threading operations while maintaining secure connection through the latch mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupler is pre-configured with sealing elements and latch mechanisms before connection. The probe is pre-positioned to automatically actuate the check valve when inserted. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for time-consuming assembly during the connection process, allowing operators to simply insert and latch the coupler for rapid connection.
2Productivity
If existing rapid-connect couplers are used to reduce connection time, then connection speed improves, but consistent airtight seal cannot be provided
Solution Approach 1:
The coupler incorporates multiple sealing elements at different locations: a first sealing element for the primary seal and a second sealing element for redundancy. This local differentiation of sealing functions ensures that each seal performs its specific role, providing consistent airtight sealing even during rapid connection operations where alignment may vary slightly.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupler design includes redundant sealing elements that provide a backup sealing mechanism. If the primary seal does not achieve perfect contact due to minor misalignment or surface irregularities, the secondary sealing element compensates for the deficiency, ensuring consistent airtight seal without requiring perfect connection alignment.
3Manufacturing precision
If existing rapid-connect couplers are designed for specific inlet types, then coupling precision improves, but adaptability to different inlet types decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The coupler is designed with a universal interface that can accommodate different socket inlet types including CGA and ACME threads, as well as various check valve configurations. The probe mechanism can actuate check valves located at different positions, and the sealing elements can adapt to different inlet geometries. This multi-functionality allows a single coupler design to work across multiple inlet types while maintaining precise coupling through the latch mechanism.
4Reliability
If operators repeatedly twist their wrist to screw fittings, then connection is achieved, but carpal-tunnel syndrome or operator injury occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The manual twisting motion required by traditional threaded connections is replaced with a simple insertion and latching motion. The latch mechanism provides the securing function through a leveraging action rather than requiring repetitive wrist twisting. This substitution of the mechanical connection method eliminates the harmful repetitive motion while maintaining secure connection through the latch and sealing elements.
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 enables rapid and secure gas cylinder filling, reducing operational time and costs, while minimizing the risk of operator injury by facilitating quick and adaptable connections across various inlet configurations.
Implementation Method 1
a spring-loaded probe and latch segments that engage with a gas connector
Implementation Method 2
adaptation to different inlet types through a biased ball cam mechanism
Data Source
AI summary
A rapid-connect gas coupler is shown and described herein. In an embodiment, the rapid-connect gas coupler includes a spring-loaded probe within a probe cavity, which is defined by a housing and one or more latch segment. The probe can engage with a gas connector, which causes the latch segment to engage and couple with the gas connector.