Universal Quick Connector for Interchangeable Fluid Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current quick connect couplers are limited to coupling with specific types of male and female connectors, requiring identification and matching, which hinders their interchangeability and efficiency in fluid connection applications.
Innovation Solution
A female fluid adapter assembly with a transition section that accommodates both first and second male connectors, featuring distinct transition profiles to enable fluid coupling with either type, allowing for interchangeable connections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a universal female connector is designed to accommodate multiple male connector types, then compatibility and versatility are improved, but the structural complexity of the female connector increases
Solution Approach 1:
The female quick connect end is designed with a universal interface that can accommodate multiple types of male connectors (first and second male connectors with different transition profiles). The female transition section contains features that work with both connector types, eliminating the need for separate female connectors for each male type and resolving the contradiction between versatility and complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The male connectors are segmented into distinct components: a cylindrical portion, a transition section with specific profiles, and a small cylindrical portion. This segmentation allows the female connector to be designed with corresponding segmented features (cylindrical openings of different diameters and a transition section) that can independently accommodate different male connector types, achieving universality without excessive complexity.
2Strength
If traditional threaded couplers are used, then connection strength is improved, but installation time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces the threaded mechanical coupling system with a quick connect system that uses a push-to-connect mechanism. The male connector is simply inserted into the female connector where it is retained by a lock ring, eliminating the need for threading operations and significantly reducing installation time while maintaining connection strength through the locking mechanism.
3Productivity
If quick connect couplers with specific profiles are used, then coupling speed is improved, but interchangeability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The female quick connect end is designed as a universal interface that can accommodate multiple types of male connectors with different transition profiles. The female transition section contains geometric features that work with both first and second male connector types, allowing fast coupling while maintaining interchangeability across different connector types.
Data Source
AI summary
A male connector end having a first cylindrical portion having a first diameter, a second cylindrical portion having a second diameter, the second diameter being smaller than the first diameter, and a male transition profile between the first cylindrical portion and the second cylindrical portion. The male transition profile is sized to accommodate both a first female transition profile and a second female transition profile to fluidly couple the male connector end to either one of a first female end having the first female transition profile or a second female end having the second female transition profile.