Rotating Ring Connector Locking for Liquid-Tight Hydrogen Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connector connection methods for liquid hydrogen supply are complicated and time-consuming, making it difficult to achieve a liquid-tight connection between connectors.
Innovation Solution
A connector connection structure featuring a rotating ring and a restricting pin that allows for easy alignment and engagement of connectors, enabling a simple and secure liquid-tight connection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the first connector is screwed and fastened to the second connector in a state where they are in close contact, then a liquid-tight connection is achieved, but the connection operation becomes very complicated and time consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The connection operation is divided into two distinct phases: first, axial approach where the connectors move toward each other in the axial direction to establish close contact; second, rotational engagement where the rotating ring rotates to secure the connection. This segmentation simplifies the overall operation by breaking down the complex screwing and fastening process into more manageable steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection mechanism transitions from a static close-contact state to a dynamic rotational engagement. The rotating ring provides rotational freedom during the connection process, allowing the connectors to self-align and engage more easily. After rotation, the connection is secured in a fixed position, providing both ease of operation and reliable liquid-tight sealing.
2Reliability
If the first connector is screwed and fastened to the second connector, then a secure connection is achieved, but the connection operation is time consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The connectors are pre-configured with the rotating ring and restricting pin mechanism in place. Before the actual connection operation, the components are prepared so that when the connectors approach each other axially, the rotating ring can immediately engage and rotate into the locked position. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for complex manual alignment and fastening during the connection process, significantly reducing connection time while maintaining secure connection.
3Ease of operation
If a rotating ring mechanism is introduced to simplify connector connection, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The rotating ring serves multiple functions: it guides the axial approach of the connectors, enables rotational engagement for self-alignment, and provides the final locked position for secure connection. The restricting pin also performs multiple roles by controlling the rotation at different stages. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components, thereby simplifying the overall device structure despite the added rotating mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotating ring and restricting pin are integrated into the existing connector structure, merging the simplification mechanism with the connection components. Rather than adding a separate complex assembly, the rotating ring is incorporated as part of the connector body, and the restricting pin is integrated into the rotation control mechanism. This merging approach minimizes the increase in device complexity while achieving easier operation.
Data Source
AI summary
The first connector includes a main body, a first connecting surface, a rotating ring, and a restricting pin for prohibiting the rotation of the rotating ring relative to the first connecting surface, the rotating ring, when taking a predetermined rotational phase with respect to the second connector, the second connector to the abutting position, can be drawn in the axial direction, further, the second connector is engaged with a portion of the second connector by rotating relative to the first connecting surface in a state of being retracted to the abutting position to maintain a connection state, the restricting pin, when the second connector is retracted to the abutting position, the rotation of the rotating ring from the restricting position to allow the rotation of the allowable position.