Sleeve-Actuated Fluid Coupling for Tool-Free Secure Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional coupling assemblies are often large, heavy, and difficult to assemble, requiring tools and having complex engagement mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A fluid coupling design featuring a sleeve that rotates a nut with internal threads to engage external threads on a second member, facilitated by a spring and elastomeric seal for secure assembly without tools, providing tactile feedback upon completion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional coupling assemblies use complex engagement mechanisms with multiple components, then the connection strength and reliability are improved, but the device complexity and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the nut and sleeve into a single integrated component that performs both functions: the nut provides thread engagement while the sleeve provides rotational actuation. This merging reduces the number of separate parts from multiple components to just two main components (coupling body and integrated nut-sleeve assembly), simplifying the overall structure while maintaining secure connection reliability through the preserved thread engagement mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated nut-sleeve component serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides thread engagement for secure connection, acts as a rotational actuator for assembly and disassembly, and incorporates a tab for tool engagement. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate nuts, sleeves, and tool engagement features, reducing device complexity while maintaining connection reliability.
2Reliability
If conventional coupling assemblies use multiple separate components for engagement, then the connection security is improved, but the ease of assembly deteriorates due to tool requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling assembly is designed to be self-assembling through the integrated nut-sleeve mechanism. The external threads on the coupling body automatically engage with the internal threads of the nut-sleeve assembly during insertion, and the protruding tab aligns with the recess in the actuator, enabling hand-operated assembly without tools. This self-service design maintains connection security through proper thread engagement while dramatically improving ease of assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The protruding tab on the nut-sleeve assembly acts as an intermediary feature that enables tool-free operation. By providing a simple mechanical interface (tab and recess) that can be engaged by hand or simple tools, it mediates between the thread engagement mechanism and the user, allowing easy assembly and disassembly while preserving the security of the threaded connection.
3Strength
If conventional coupling assemblies are designed for secure engagement, then the connection strength is improved, but the weight and size increase
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the nut and sleeve into a single integrated component, the patent eliminates the weight of separate parts and their connecting features. The integrated design reduces material usage while maintaining connection strength through the preserved thread engagement mechanism between the coupling body and nut-sleeve assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling is segmented into two main functional parts: the coupling body with external threads and the integrated nut-sleeve assembly with internal threads. This segmentation allows for optimized material distribution and reduced overall weight while maintaining connection strength through the threaded engagement interface.
4Reliability
If conventional coupling assemblies use traditional nut and sleeve designs, then the connection reliability is improved, but the ease of manufacture deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated nut-sleeve assembly can be manufactured as a single piece using modern manufacturing techniques such as injection molding or stamping, eliminating the need for separate machining operations on multiple components. This merging simplifies the manufacturing process while maintaining connection reliability through the preserved thread engagement design.
Solution Approach 2:
The design incorporates a protruding tab and recess configuration that changes the geometric parameters of the assembly, enabling snap-fit or tool-free engagement. This parameter change from traditional multi-component designs to an integrated form with simple engagement features improves ease of manufacture while maintaining connection reliability.
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 2B
AI summary
Fluid coupling (10), comprising: a first member (20) configured for connection with a first fluid conduit (16);a second member (30) configured for connection with a second fluid conduit (18); a nut (50) disposed at least partially around the first member (20), the nut (50) configured to engage the second member (30); and a sleeve (60) configured to rotate the nut (50) and cause or facilitate engagement between the nut (50) and the second member (30).