Sealed Nested Caps for Clean Storage of Disconnected Connectors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connection systems, particularly quick-connect systems, lack effective protection for connectors when disconnected, leading to potential contamination by dust or particles, which can interfere with signal transmission or fluid circulation.
Innovation Solution
A protective assembly comprising a hollow first cap with a cavity to house a first connector and a second cap with a cavity to house a second connector, where the second cap can be nested into the first cap in a sealed manner, isolating both cavities from the external environment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a dust cap is arranged on a disconnected connector to protect it, then the connector is protected from external contaminants, but the cap itself may gather polluting particles and transmit them to the connector when placed on it
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies nesting by placing one cap inside another cap. The first cap houses the disconnected connector, and the second cap is nested within the first cap. This nested structure allows both caps to protect the connector simultaneously without the outer cap gathering and transmitting particles to the connector, as the inner cap serves as a barrier between the outer cap and the connector.
2Adaptability or versatility
If connectors of a quick-connect system are left disconnected for storage, then they can be stored when not in use, but they are not protected from the outside environment and may be contaminated by dust or particles
Solution Approach 1:
The nested cap structure enables protected storage of disconnected connectors. When a connector is disconnected for storage, it is placed inside the first cap, which is then nested within the second cap. This provides a protective environment that prevents dust and particles from contaminating the connector during storage, while still allowing the connector to be easily accessed when needed.
3Device complexity
If a single cap is used to protect a disconnected connector, then the structure is simple, but the cap may be contaminated by particles in the environment before being placed on the connector
Solution Approach 1:
By using two nested caps instead of a single cap, the patent creates a protective barrier system. The outer cap protects the inner cap from environmental contamination, while the inner cap protects the connector. This nested arrangement maintains relative simplicity while effectively preventing cap contamination from being transmitted to the connector.
Data Source
AI summary
A protective assembly provided with a hollow first cap with a first cavity configured to house a first connector and a second cap. The second cap has a hollow portion delimiting a second cavity configured to house a second connector to be connected to the first connector. The first cavity is shaped to match an outer casing of the hollow portion. The second cap penetrates into the first cavity in a sealed manner, in a connected mode, isolating the first cavity and the second cavity from an external environment.