Fluid Coupling Adaptor With Release Tabs for Tight-Space Disconnect
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional quick connect and disconnect systems for fluid couplings are difficult to operate in dark, confined spaces, often leading to over-tightened threaded connections, leaks, and challenging repairs due to alignment and disassembly issues.
Innovation Solution
A quick connect and disconnect adaptor system featuring a hinge mechanism and release tabs that allow for easy alignment and secure connection/disconnection, with retention features like pegs and holes, and a clip design that resiliently deflects to facilitate fluid coupling operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional quick connectors are used, then connection speed is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to alignment requirements and difficulty in dark confined spaces
Solution Approach 1:
The connector employs asymmetric features including a cam mechanism with an inclined surface that converts rotational motion into linear displacement, and a lever arm positioned at an angle to the connector body. This asymmetric design provides mechanical advantage and intuitive operation direction, eliminating the need for precise alignment while maintaining quick connection capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediate elements such as a cam follower that mediates between the lever arm and the connector body, and a spring that mediates between the locking mechanism and the connector components. These intermediaries translate user input into reliable locking action without requiring precise alignment, thereby improving ease of operation while maintaining connection speed.
2Strength
If threaded connections are used, then connection strength is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to over-tightening causing leaks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the threaded mechanical connection system with a cam-based locking mechanism. The cam converts rotational lever motion into controlled linear displacement that applies uniform locking force without the risk of over-tightening. This substitution maintains connection strength while eliminating the reliability issue of thread over-tightening causing leaks.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism uses a spring element that provides controlled elastic deformation to maintain optimal locking force. The spring parameter (force constant) is designed to provide sufficient locking strength while preventing excessive force that could damage sealing elements. This parameter control ensures both connection strength and reliability.
3Productivity
If conventional quick connectors are used, then connection speed is improved, but ease of repair deteriorates due to difficulty in disassembly
Solution Approach 1:
The connector employs a dynamic cam mechanism where the cam profile is designed to provide automatic release when the lever is returned to its initial position. The spring-loaded follower automatically tracks the cam surface, and returning the lever reverses the locking action. This dynamic design maintains quick connection while enabling equally quick disconnection for repairs.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector is designed as a segmented system with distinct components: the body, the lever arm, the cam mechanism, and the sealing elements. This segmentation allows the lever and cam to be independently manipulated for connection or disconnection, while the body and sealing elements remain protected. The modular design facilitates easy repair by allowing replacement of individual components.
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 system enables secure and easy connection/disconnection of fluid couplings in tight spaces, preventing leaks and simplifying repairs by allowing for intuitive operation without the need for precise alignment, thus enhancing usability and reliability.
Implementation Method 1
Each of the release tabs is configured to resiliently deflect through an aperture
Implementation Method 2
The adaptor includes a hinge located between the first half and the second half. The hinge connects the first half to the second half, and the hinge permits the adaptor to travel between an open configuration and a closed configuration
Implementation Method 3
The retention features include at least one peg and at least one hole
Implementation Method 4
The first wing and the second wing can resiliently deflect radially towards one another
Data Source
AI summary
A quick connect and disconnect system for a fluid coupling includes an axially extending fitting configured to be secured to a fluid conduit, a clip, and a quick connect and disconnect adaptor. The clip is coupled to the fitting and includes a base, a wing extending from the base, and a first lug extending from the first wing. The quick connect and disconnect adaptor includes a first release tab configured to resiliently deflect through an aperture of the adaptor. The adaptor is configured to transfer a compressive force to resiliently deflect the first lug to move the clip in an axial direction from an installed position to an uninstalled position.