Spring-Locked Process Port Coupling for Blind Rotatable Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connection methods between process ports and sensor housings are complex, costly, and fail to provide a robust, rotatable, and rotationally secure connection that is suitable for hygienic environments, while also allowing for blind fitting and easy assembly.
Innovation Solution
A connecting device comprising an inner and outer connection section with a spring element having at least three connection sections that interlock and are axially moved to establish a friction-fit or positive-locking connection, allowing for rotatable and rotationally secure attachment, while being invisible from the outside and requiring minimal assembly effort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If welding or bonding is used to create a rotationally secure connection, then connection strength is improved, but rotatability is lost and manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connection device is divided into separate modular components: an inner connection section and an outer connection section that can be assembled independently. This segmentation allows the inner section to rotate freely within the outer section while maintaining a secure connection, resolving the contradiction between connection strength and rotatability.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection device incorporates dynamic elements including a rotatable inner connection section that can rotate within the outer connection section, and a spring element that provides flexible retention. This dynamic design enables both strong connection and rotational movement, unlike static welding or bonding methods.
2Adaptability or versatility
If threaded connection is used to enable rotation, then rotatability is achieved, but electrical contact complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The electrical contact function is extracted from the rotational mechanism. The inner connection section can rotate independently within the outer connection section, while electrical contacts are provided separately through contact elements that maintain electrical connection without interfering with the rotational movement. This eliminates the need for complex rotatable electrical contacts.
Solution Approach 2:
Contact elements serve as intermediaries between the inner and outer connection sections for electrical connection. These contact elements maintain electrical continuity while allowing rotational movement, decoupling the electrical contact function from the mechanical rotation function.
3Ease of manufacture
If snap connection is used for rotatable connection, then assembly simplicity is improved, but mechanical strength decreases and thermal stability is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The connection device uses composite construction combining the inner connection section, outer connection section, and spring element made from materials with compatible thermal expansion properties. This composite structure provides both the assembly simplicity of snap connections and the mechanical strength and thermal stability required for process connections.
4Strength
If retaining ring is used for connection, then mechanical strength is improved, but assembly complexity increases and blind fitting is prevented
Solution Approach 1:
The spring element provides self-retaining functionality, automatically securing the inner connection section within the outer connection section through its elastic properties. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for separate retaining rings and complex assembly procedures, enabling blind fitting while maintaining mechanical strength.
5Stability of the object's composition
If pins in bores are used for connection, then rotational stability is improved, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The retention function traditionally performed by separate pins is merged into the spring element, which provides both rotational stability and retention in a single integrated component. This eliminates the need for separate pins, bores, and associated securing mechanisms, significantly reducing manufacturing complexity while maintaining rotational stability.
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
The connection device provides a robust, reliable, and cost-effective solution that withstands high forces, is resistant to temperature fluctuations, and allows for blind fitting, with the option for rotation limitation, while maintaining a seal and enabling easy assembly and electrical contact establishment.
Implementation Method 1
a spring element (130) located partially within the inner connection section (122) and having at least three connection sections (132), each extending through a respective opening (160) in the inner connection section (122) and connecting to an inner surface (126) of the outer connection section (124)
Implementation Method 2
allowing for rotatable and rotationally secure attachment
Data Source
Figure 1A~1C
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3A-1~3B-4
AI summary
A connection device for a process port on a sensor housing comprises an inner connection section arranged on the sensor housing and the process port, an outer connection section surrounding the inner connection section and arranged either on the process port if the inner connection section is arranged on the sensor housing, or on the sensor housing if the inner connection section is arranged on the process port, and a spring element partially located within the inner connection section. The spring element has at least three connection sections, each extending through a respective opening in the inner connection section and connecting to an inner surface of the outer connection section.