Swivel Connection Fitting for Wide-Angle Fluid Nozzle Adjustment
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connection fittings for fluid flow devices, such as vehicle fire suppression systems, have limited angular adjustability, increasing complexity and cost due to the need for multiple pipe elbows and fittings, and available swivel-type adapters offer only a restricted range of articulation.
Innovation Solution
A connection fitting with a swivel member and restriction member that allows for a maximum included angle of up to 50° (100° inclusive) of articulation, enabling greater adjustability and securement of fluid distribution devices like nozzles, while maintaining a fluid-tight path through a receiver and swivel member.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If multiple pipe elbows and fittings are used to orient the nozzle, then the desired spray aiming can be achieved, but the installation complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple pipe elbows and fittings into a single integrated swivel-type connection fitting that provides both fluid flow passage and angular adjustment capability. The receiver body incorporates internal passages that replace the need for separate elbows, while the swivel member integrates the articulation function that would otherwise require multiple fittings.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection fitting performs multiple functions simultaneously: it serves as a fluid conduit, an angular adjustment mechanism, and a secure mounting interface. The single fitting provides both the fluid flow path and the swivel articulation capability, eliminating the need for separate components for each function.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the swivel member is allowed to rotate freely within the receiver, then the angular adjustability is maximized, but the fluid-tight seal and structural stability are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The restriction member is positioned at a specific location within the receiver to limit the swivel member's rotation to a controlled angular range. This localized restriction maintains the spherical contact surface for fluid-tight sealing while preventing excessive rotation that would compromise the seal or structural integrity.
Data Source
Figure 1~2B
Figure 3
Figure 4A~4D
AI summary
A connection fitting (100) for fluidly coupling a fluid flow device to a fluid source includes a receiver (20) having a fluid inlet (22) configured to be fluidly coupled to the fluid source and an internal surface defining a reception chamber (24) fluidly coupled to the fluid inlet, a swivel member (30) disposed in the reception chamber of the receiver, the swivel member having a connection port (32) configured to be coupled to the fluid flow device and an external surface (36) including a substantially spherical external surface portion in contact with the internal surface of the receiver, and a restriction member (40) coupled to the receiver such that the swivel member is positioned between the receiver and the restriction member. The restriction member has a surface geometry defining a passageway (48) through which the fluid flow device can extend, and the surface geometry limits rotation of the swivel member within the receiver.