Rotatable Quick-Connect Tube Coupling With Locking Grooves
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing quick-connect tube connections typically do not support rotation, and those that do often lack the quick-connect feature, making them complex and costly, especially for applications requiring a wide range of tube diameters.
Innovation Solution
A quick-connect and rotatable tube connection system featuring a male connector with tiered outer teeth and a female connector with tiered internal annular grooves and cross-channels, allowing for relative coaxial rotation and axial engagement/disengagement for quick connection and disconnection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a quick-connect coupling is designed to allow rotation after connection, then flexibility and mobility are improved, but the structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling is divided into a body portion and a rotatable head portion, allowing independent rotation of the head while the body remains stationary. This segmentation enables rotational flexibility without requiring the entire coupling structure to be complex, as only the head portion needs rotatable capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling transitions from a static fixed connection to a dynamic system where the head can rotate relative to the body. This dynamic capability is achieved through a rotatable joint mechanism that maintains fluid sealing while allowing angular movement, providing flexibility without excessive structural complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a rotatable tube connection is designed with full rotational capability, then mobility is improved, but the risk of over-rotation and damage increases
Solution Approach 1:
A limit stop mechanism is built into the coupling to prevent over-rotation before it can cause damage. The stop physically blocks the head from rotating beyond a safe angle, providing preliminary protection against harmful over-rotation while still allowing sufficient rotational range for flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The limit stop, which might seem like a restriction on mobility, actually benefits the system by preventing harmful over-rotation. It converts the potential harm of unlimited rotation into a beneficial protective feature that extends the coupling's reliability and service life.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a tube connection system supports multiple tube diameters, then versatility is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling body is designed with a universal connection interface that can accommodate multiple tube diameters through a single standardized opening. Different tube sizes can be connected using the same body portion, reducing the need for multiple specialized couplings and simplifying the overall system.
Solution Approach 2:
An adapter mechanism serves as an intermediary between the standardized coupling body and various tube diameters. The adapter can be easily attached or removed to match different tube sizes, providing versatility without requiring the main coupling body to be complex or customized for each tube diameter.
4Productivity
If a quick-connect coupling is designed for rapid connection and disconnection, then productivity is improved, but the sealing reliability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling incorporates pre-positioned sealing elements and alignment features that automatically engage when the body and head are connected. This preliminary arrangement of sealing components ensures that reliable sealing is established immediately upon connection, without requiring complex manual adjustment or multiple steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling design allows the sealing surfaces and elements to self-align and self-seal when the body and head are brought together. The geometry of the connection interface guides the sealing elements into proper contact, enabling rapid connection while maintaining sealing reliability without requiring additional complex mechanisms.
Data Source
AI summary
A quick-connect and rotatable tube connection comprises a male connector with tiered outer teeth and a female connector with tiered internal annular grooves, which hold the teeth and allow their movement within the grooves. Each groove includes a groove-wall that features cross-channels, enabling the teeth to pass through and enter adjacent annular grooves. Through relative coaxial rotation, aligning or misaligning the teeth with the cross-channels, combined with axial pushing or pulling actions, the connectors engage or disengage. The last annular groove features a stop-wall to limit the maximum axial engagement of the connectors. A locking mechanism with corresponding elements on both connectors restricts their relative rotational movement and prevents disengagement of the tube connection by blocking the alignment of the teeth and cross-channels.