Sliding Quick-Connect Coupling for Fluid Port Tolerance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tube and hose fittings struggle to accommodate small variances in fluid port locations during mass production, making it difficult to connect inflexible tubing sections with fluid ports that may not be precisely positioned, requiring manual adjustments or skilled labor.
Innovation Solution
A tube fitting with a slidably movable coupling and o-ring seal, featuring a protuberance and recess mechanism to limit movement within a predetermined tolerance, allowing for fluid-tight connections while accommodating positional variances, and a tee-shaped configuration with quick-connect couplings for easy assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a prefabricated inflexible tubing assembly is used, then mass production efficiency is improved, but the ability to accommodate positional variances in fluid ports deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling is designed to be slidable along the tubular end section within a predetermined tolerance range, allowing dynamic adjustment to accommodate positional variances in fluid ports while maintaining a fixed prefabricated tubing assembly for mass production efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling's position parameter is made variable within a controlled range (predetermined tolerance) through the slidable mechanism, enabling the assembly to adapt to different port locations without compromising the inflexible nature of the prefabricated tubing
2Adaptability or versatility
If manual adjustments are made to accommodate positional variances, then adaptability is improved, but labor skill requirements and assembly time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The slidable coupling mechanism automatically adjusts to accommodate positional variances through its inherent design, eliminating the need for manual adjustments or skilled labor while maintaining adaptability
3Adaptability or versatility
If a slidable coupling mechanism is introduced, then adaptability to positional variances is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling mechanism is segmented into distinct functional elements (protuberance, recess, stop surfaces, ramped surfaces) that work together through simple geometric interactions, achieving adaptability without excessive complexity
4Ease of operation
If the coupling is made movable within a tolerance range, then ease of assembly is improved, but connection stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The stop surfaces are pre-positioned to define the tolerance range boundaries, and the ramped surfaces are pre-configured to guide the coupling into proper engagement, ensuring both ease of assembly and connection stability within the predetermined tolerance
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling transitions from a movable state during assembly to a stable locked state within the tolerance range, achieving both ease of assembly and connection stability through controlled dynamics
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables efficient and economical mass production of prefabricated tubing assemblies that can be assembled by unskilled workers or robots, maintaining fluid-tight connections despite manufacturing tolerances, as demonstrated in applications like electric vehicle battery cooling systems.
Implementation Method 1
An o-ring seal is located in an annular groove in either an outer surface of the end section or the inner surface of the coupling to provide a fluid-tight seal between the core and the coupling
Data Source
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AI summary
A fitting for use in a manifold or other tubular assembly includes a core and at least one tubular coupling sleeve slidably and sealingly fitted over a distal end of the core to accommodate predetermined tolerances in the relative positions of fluid ports connected with the tubular assembly. Features are provided to limit the range of motion to the predetermined tolerances and to prevent disassembly of the coupling sleeve from the core of the fitting.