Threadless Fluid Connector with Anti-Rotation Locking Tabs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connectors for circuit elements in hydraulic or pneumatic systems require significant time and attention to screw/unscrew correctly, are prone to thread damage, and compromise fluid sealing, making them unreliable and difficult to assemble/disassemble without specialized tools.
Innovation Solution
A connector design featuring symmetrical cup-shaped connecting bodies with male and female tubular portions, protuberances, and grooves, along with flexible tabs, allowing for reversible fluid and mechanical connections without threaded parts, enabling easy assembly and disassembly with manual gestures only.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If threaded sleeves are used for connection, then the connector can provide a secure fluid connection, but the assembly and disassembly process becomes time-consuming and requires specialized attention to avoid thread damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the threaded connection mechanism entirely from the connector design. Instead of using traditional threaded sleeves that require screwing and unscrewing operations, the invention employs a push-to-connect mechanism with a retention ring that secures the connection through radial clamping force, eliminating the time-consuming rotational assembly and disassembly processes while maintaining connection reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical threaded connection system with a radial clamping mechanism. The retention ring applies circumferential pressure to the inserted element through elastic deformation or mechanical leverage, substituting the screw-thread mechanical advantage system with a radial compression system that achieves secure fluid-tight connection without rotational movement
2Reliability
If threaded connections are used, then the connector can provide a secure connection, but the risk of thread damage and sealing system compromise increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates the threaded portions and associated sealing surfaces that are prone to damage. By removing the threading mechanism entirely and using a radial clamping connection, the design eliminates the harmful factor of thread stripping, cross-threading, and damage to threaded sealing surfaces that plagues traditional connectors
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a retention ring that can be replaced if damaged, rather than risking damage to the expensive threaded bodies and internal sealing systems. The retention ring acts as a sacrificial or replaceable component that protects the main connector bodies from damage, similar to using a disposable protective element to safeguard valuable components
3Reliability
If threaded sleeves are used, then the connector can provide a secure connection, but the operation becomes complex and requires specialized tools
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the threaded sleeve component entirely and replaces it with a push-to-connect mechanism. The connector bodies are designed with complementary geometries that guide insertion and automatic alignment, eliminating the need for threaded sleeves and the complex rotational tightening operation they require, allowing assembly with simple manual pushing motion
Solution Approach 2:
The connector design incorporates self-aligning features where the geometries of the first and second connector bodies automatically orient the components correctly during insertion. The retention ring self-activates upon insertion to secure the connection, eliminating the need for specialized tools or complex manual manipulation procedures
Data Source
Figure 1~3
AI summary
A connector for circuit elements of hydraulic or pneumatic systems, comprising: a first connecting body (10) extending along an axis (X); a second connecting body (20) extending along an axis (Y); wherein the first connecting body (10) and the second connecting body (20) can be installed on respective portions of circuit elements and are configured to provide a reversible fluid connection between the circuit elements in which the connector comprises: a first coupling member comprising a male tubular portion on the first connecting body (10) and a respective female tubular portion (23) on the second connecting body (20) to realize a fluid sealing connection by inserting the male tubular portion into a cavity of the female tubular portion (23) configured to guide the male tubular portion; a second coupling member comprising at least one protuberance (14) on an outer surface (11) of the first connecting body (10) and a respective groove (24) on the second connecting body (20) for making a mechanical reversible connection between the first connecting body (10) and the second connecting body (20) in which the protuberance (14) is configured to fit into the groove (24) and prevent an axial extraction between the first connecting body (10) and the second connecting body (20); a third coupling member comprising on the first connecting body (10) at least one flexible tab (15) having a projection (16) on the outer surface (11) and an opening on an external surface (21) of the second connecting body (20) suitable to contain the projection (16) to prevent a relative rotation between the first connecting body (10) and the second connecting body (20) around the respective development axes (X, Y).