Swivel Quick Connector for Hose-Free Leak-Proof Fluid Ports
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing quick connect fluid connectors for gas cylinders suffer from wear and tear due to repeated flexing and movements of fluid hoses, leading to potential gas leaks.
Innovation Solution
A quick connect fluid connector system that includes a swivel mechanism allowing for rotational and longitudinal movement relative to the fluid port, eliminating the need for a fluid hose in the connection path, and incorporating a swivel with seals and leak indicators to prevent leaks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a fluid hose is used to connect the quick connect fluid connector to the fluid manifold, then the connector can be flexibly positioned, but the repeated flexing and movements cause wearing of the fluid hose leading to gas leaks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the fluid hose from the system by directly connecting the quick connect fluid connector to the fluid manifold through a rigid or semi-rigid conduit. This extraction of the flexible hose eliminates the wear and tear problem while maintaining connection flexibility through alternative means such as jointed sections or articulated mounting.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of making the connection path flexible through a hose, the patent inverts the approach by making the connector assembly itself adaptable through mechanical joints or articulated sections that provide flexibility without requiring a flexible hose, thereby eliminating the source of wear and leakage.
2Reliability
If a rigid direct connection is used between the quick connect fluid connector and the fluid manifold, then hose wear is eliminated, but rotational and longitudinal movements are restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates dynamic elements such as articulated joints, telescopic sections, or swivel mechanisms into the rigid connection path. These dynamic components allow the connection to adapt to rotational and longitudinal movements while maintaining a sealed, leak-proof interface throughout the range of motion.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses nested or telescopic sections within the rigid conduit that allow for longitudinal expansion and contraction. These nested sections enable the connection to accommodate length changes and movements while maintaining structural integrity and sealing, preventing leaks during operation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a fluid hose is used in the connection path, then some movement flexibility is provided, but the system becomes more complex and prone to contamination
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the fluid hose from the connection system, replacing it with a simpler rigid or semi-rigid conduit assembly. This reduction in components simplifies the overall system while maintaining necessary movement flexibility through integrated mechanical joints, thereby reducing complexity and contamination risk.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A quick connect fluid connector is directly connected to a fluid port of a fluid manifold using a quick connect fluid connector swivel that is configured to permit rotational and/or longitudinal movement of the quick connect fluid connector relative to the fluid port. The relative axial and/or rotational movements provided by the swivel eliminates the need for a fluid hose to be used in the fluid path between the quick connect fluid connector and the fluid port.