Universal Quick Connect Adapter for Threadless 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 interoperability and increases installation time in fluid coupling applications.
Innovation Solution
A female fluid adapter assembly with a transition section that accommodates different male connectors by featuring a unique transition profile, allowing it to couple with both first and second male connectors, each with distinct transition profiles, facilitating fluid flow and secure locking without the need for tools.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a basic fluid coupler with threaded sections is used, then the connection is secure and reliable, but the installation time is substantial and requires tools
Solution Approach 1:
The female quick connect end is divided into multiple cylindrical openings of different diameters, each accommodating different male connector types. This segmentation allows the single female connector to interface with multiple male connector variations without requiring tool-assisted threading operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The female quick connect end is designed with a universal interface that can accommodate multiple types of male connectors (first male connector with first cylindrical portion, second male connector with second cylindrical portion) through its multiple cylindrical openings. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate female connectors for each male connector type while maintaining secure connections.
2Ease of operation
If quick connect couplers with specific male and female profiles are used, then the coupling process is fast and easy, but the connectors are not interoperable with different manufacturer types
Solution Approach 1:
The female quick connect end incorporates multiple cylindrical openings with different diameters to universally accommodate various male connector types from different manufacturers. This design maintains the ease of quick connect operation while achieving interoperability across different connector standards.
Solution Approach 2:
The female quick connect end changes its effective interface parameters by providing multiple cylindrical openings with different diameters. This allows the same female connector to adapt to different male connector dimensions and profiles, achieving interoperability without compromising the quick connect mechanism.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a universal female connector accommodating multiple male connector types is designed, then the interoperability is enhanced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The female quick connect end is segmented into multiple cylindrical openings of different diameters within a single integrated structure. This segmentation approach achieves connector compatibility for multiple male connector types while maintaining a relatively simple overall design that does not require complex mechanisms or adjustable components.
Data Source
AI summary
A female fluid adapter assembly that has a receiving end that receives a fluid device, a female quick connect end coupled to the receiving end, and a through hole defined between the receiving end and the female quick connect end to allow fluid to flow therebetween. Wherein, the female quick connect end has a first cylindrical opening having a first diameter, a second cylindrical opening having a second diameter, the second diameter being smaller than the first diameter, a female transition profile defined between the first cylindrical opening and the second cylindrical opening, the female transition profile providing a transition from the first diameter of the first cylindrical opening to the second diameter of the second cylindrical opening. Wherein, the female quick connect end is coupleable to a male quick connect end having a male transition profile, the female transition profile being different from the male transition profile.