Semi-Integrated Quick Connector for Low-Turbulence Disconnection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing quick connector systems for hydraulic and pneumatic circuits face issues such as fluid flow turbulence, difficulty in disconnection due to residual pressure, and increased complexity and cost due to mechanical locking mechanisms, which affect reliability and ease of use, especially in small-size equipment.
Innovation Solution
A semi-integrated connector system with innovative cartridges fixed using side pins and a lever for actuation, allowing central fluid flow, easy coupling replacement, and disconnection without levers, featuring decompression niches and seals for residual pressure management, and a mechanical constraining mechanism to prevent rotation and translation, enabling reliable and efficient connection and disconnection operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manifolds with integrated cartridges and levers are used, then disconnection effort is reduced and oil recovery is enabled, but fluid flow turbulence increases and loss of load increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is divided into separate male and female couplings with independent valve assemblies, allowing each to be optimized for its specific function. The female coupling contains a valve assembly that can be independently actuated, eliminating the need for integrated levers and reducing fluid turbulence while maintaining ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of integrating the lever into the manifold block as in prior art, the invention inverts the approach by placing the actuation mechanism within the female coupling itself. This allows the valve to be actuated directly without requiring external levers, reducing structural complexity and improving fluid flow characteristics.
2Ease of operation
If manifolds with integrated cartridges are used, then lever actuation reduces connection/disconnection efforts, but structural complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The valve assembly and coupling body are merged into a single integrated unit within the female coupling. This eliminates the need for separate lever mechanisms and complex housing structures, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining ease of operation through the valve's automatic actuation during connection and disconnection.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve assembly is designed to actuate automatically during the connection and disconnection processes without requiring external lever intervention. The mechanical interaction between the male and female couplings directly drives the valve movement, simplifying the overall structure while maintaining operational ease.
3Reliability
If mechanical locking mechanisms are added to prevent accidental movement, then connection reliability improves, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces complex mechanical locking mechanisms with a hydraulically actuated valve system. The valve assembly uses fluid pressure and spring forces to maintain reliable connections, eliminating the need for additional mechanical locks while improving reliability through hydraulic sealing and automatic valve positioning during connection and disconnection.
Data Source
AI summary
A female coupling for a fluid quick connector and configured to be removably connected to a male coupling of the connector. The female coupling includes a valve assembly with a valve alternating between closed and open positions. The flow of a fluid from the female coupling towards the male coupling occurs in the open position. The female coupling includes a hollow body defining an inner cavity with a longitudinal axis for the flow of the fluid. The female valve assembly is housed in the inner cavity. The hollow body includes an end portion configured to be housed in a housing seat of an interface manifold. With the end portion in the housing seat, the tubular inner cavity is placed in fluid connection with at least one inner channel of the interface manifold. A constraint prevents rotation/translation of the end portion of the hollow body with respect to the housing seat.