Sliding Air Line Connector With Rotation-Independent Locking

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing air line connections in air seeders are labor-intensive, prone to corrosion, air leakage, and require special tools for assembly and disassembly, leading to inefficiencies and potential loss of granular product.

Innovation Solution

A sliding connector assembly with a locking mechanism that allows easy attachment and detachment without tools, maintaining a fluid seal and preventing axial movement regardless of rotational orientation, using a latch or wicket mechanism to secure the connection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If hose clamps are used to connect air lines, then the connection can be secured, but labor is required to individually handle and assemble them and special tools are needed for removal

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection securityVSAvoidassembly and disassembly ease

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical hose clamp system with a cam-actuated locking mechanism. The cam lever, when actuated, forces the cam finger against the cam surface to lock the connector, eliminating the need for separate hose clamps and special tools. This substitution transforms the connection method from manual clamp assembly to a single-lever mechanical action.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The locking mechanism is designed to be self-contained within the connector assembly. The cam lever integrates the locking function directly into the connector, allowing the user to lock and unlock the connection using the same component rather than requiring separate tools or multiple components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Reliability

If hose clamps are used to secure air lines, then the connection is maintained, but corrosion, stress corrosion, cracking, and binding occur due to severe environment

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection maintenanceVSAvoidcorrosion and environmental damage

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the vulnerable hose clamp components from the connection system and replaces them with an integrated cam-actuated locking mechanism. By removing the external hose clamps that are exposed to corrosive environments, the design eliminates the primary components suffering from corrosion, stress corrosion, and cracking.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The connector components are designed to withstand severe environments through material selection and structural design. The cam mechanism and locking surfaces are engineered to resist binding and corrosion, potentially using corrosion-resistant materials or surface treatments to survive the harsh operating conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple air line connections are made for larger air seeders, then the pneumatic distribution system is complete, but the number of connections increases making quick and easy connection more important

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem scalabilityVSAvoidconnection time

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the connection system into modular quick-connectors that can be independently assembled and disconnected. Each connector is a self-contained unit with integrated locking mechanism, allowing individual connections to be made or broken quickly without affecting other connections in the scalable pneumatic system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The cam lever is pre-positioned and spring-loaded to automatically engage the locking mechanism when the connector is assembled. This preliminary positioning ensures that the locking action occurs automatically during the connection process, eliminating the need for separate locking steps and reducing overall connection time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

4Reliability

If hose clamps are used on air lines, then the lines are secured, but air leakage occurs leading to inefficiency and product loss

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveline securityVSAvoidair leakage

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the hose clamp mechanical system with a cam-actuated locking mechanism that provides more uniform and reliable clamping force. The cam finger distributes pressure along the cam surface, creating a more consistent seal that prevents air leakage while maintaining line security.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS12578046B2Air conveyance quick connect fitting

Publication Date: 2026.03.17 DEERE & CO

AI summary

A sliding connector pipe assembly having a pipe defining an axis and configured to direct fluid flow, a sliding connector slidably positioned around an end portion of the pipe, the sliding connector being selectively slidable between an extended displacement and a retracted displacement relative to the pipe, and a locking mechanism that selectively prevents axial movement of the sliding connector from the extended displacement to the retracted displacement. The locking mechanism prevents the sliding member from transition from the extended displacement to the retracted displacement regardless of the rotational orientation of the sliding connector relative to the pipe about the axis.