Coupling system for an expandable fluid distribution system

Abstract

A coupling system for a fluid module (100) of an expandable fluid distribution system is provided. The coupling system includes a first coupling side (104) of the fluid module (100) with a female coupling part comprising an aperture (105) and a shoulder (108) and a male coupling part comprising a coupling tab (106) extending from the base (101). The coupling system also includes a second coupling side (204) of the fluid module (100) with a female coupling part comprising a slot (206) sized and shaped to receive at least a portion of the coupling tab (106) of an adjoining fluid module and a male coupling part comprising a fluid stem (205) and an engagement rim (208) sized and shaped to engage the shoulder (108) of an adjoining fluid module.

Claims

1. A coupling system for a fluid module (100) of an expandable fluid distribution system, comprising: a first coupling side (104) of the fluid module (100) including: a female coupling part comprising an aperture (105) and a shoulder (108); a male coupling part comprising a coupling tab (106) extending from the first coupling side (104); a second coupling side (204) of the fluid module (100) including: a female coupling part comprising a slot (206) sized and shaped to receive at least a portion of the coupling tab (106) of an adjoining fluid module and engage the portion of the coupling tab (106) when the coupling tab is rotated relative to the slot; and a male coupling part comprising a fluid stem (205) and an engagement rim (208) sized and shaped to engage the shoulder (108) of an adjoining fluid module.

2. The coupling system of claim 1, further comprising a fluid passageway (107) extending from the first coupling side (104) to the second coupling side (204) and in fluid communication with the aperture (105) and the fluid stem (205).

3. The coupling system of claim 1, wherein the shoulder (108) comprises one or more straight portions (108a) and one or more curved portions (108b).

4. The coupling system of claim 3, wherein the engagement rim (208) comprises a generally cylindrical shape with one or more cutout regions (208a) and one or more curved regions (208b).

5. The coupling system of claim 3, wherein the shoulder (108) comprises two straight portions (108a), which are separated by a distance (d.sub.1) and wherein the curved regions (208b) comprise a diameter (d.sub.2), which is greater than the distance (d.sub.1).

6. The coupling system of claim 5, wherein the engagement rim (208) comprises two cutout regions (208a) separated by a distance (d.sub.3), which is less than the distance (d.sub.1).

7. The coupling system of claim 1, wherein the slot (206) is sized and shaped to receive the coupling tab (106) in a snap-fit arrangement.

8. The coupling system of claim 1, further comprising a sealing member (218) positioned around a portion of the fluid stem (205).

9. The coupling system of claim 1, further comprising an end cap (600) comprising a plug (601) sized and shaped to engage the aperture (105) and an engagement rim (608) sized and shaped to engage the shoulder (108).

10. The coupling system of claim 1, wherein one or more of the shoulder (108), the engagement rim (208), the coupling tab (106), or the slot (206) comprise a ramped surface resulting in a change in thickness.

11. The coupling system of claim 1, wherein the coupling tab is rotated relative to the slot by approximately 90 degrees.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) FIG. 1 shows a fluid module according to an embodiment.

(2) FIG. 2 shows a bottom perspective view of the fluid module according to an embodiment.

(3) FIG. 3 shows another bottom perspective view of the fluid module according to another embodiment.

(4) FIG. 4 shows a bottom view of the fluid module according to an embodiment.

(5) FIG. 5 shows a cross-sectional view of a fluid module according to an embodiment.

(6) FIG. 6 shows the fluid distribution system with two fluid modules being coupled according to an embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

(7) FIGS. 1-6 and the following description depict specific examples to teach those skilled in the art how to make and use the best mode of embodiments of a fluid distribution system. For the purpose of teaching inventive principles, some conventional aspects have been simplified or omitted. Those skilled in the art will appreciate variations from these examples that fall within the scope of the present description. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the features described below can be combined in various ways to form multiple variations of the fluid distribution system. As a result, the embodiments described below are not limited to the specific examples described below, but only by the claims and their equivalents.

(8) FIG. 1 shows part of a fluid module 100 of an expandable fluid distribution system. The fluid module 100 comprises a solenoid valve; however, other types of fluid modules may be included in the expandable fluid distribution system. For example, those skilled in the art will readily recognize that the module 100 may comprise a pump, a throttle, a pressure gauge, etc. Consequently, while specific components of the solenoid valve are discussed below, these components are not required for the coupling system and are merely provided to illustrate one exemplary fluid module 100.

(9) According to an embodiment, the fluid module 100 comprises a base 101 and an electromagnetic switch portion 102. The electromagnetic switch portion 102 can comprise a plug 103 for providing electrical energy to the solenoid (See FIG. 5). According to the embodiment shown, the fluid module 100 comprises a coupling system with a first coupling side 104 and a second coupling side 204 (See FIG. 2). According to an embodiment, the first coupling side 104 comprises a female coupling part and a male coupling part. According to an embodiment, the female coupling part is in fluid communication with a fluid passageway 107. The female coupling part comprises an aperture 105 and a shoulder 108. The aperture 105 can be sized and shaped to receive a corresponding male coupling part formed on a second coupling side of an adjacent fluid module as will be described in more detail below. According to an embodiment, the shoulder 108 surrounds at least a portion of the aperture 105. According to the embodiment shown, the shoulder 108 is only three sided with a fourth side open. In other words, the shoulder 108 extends to the end of the base 101 in FIG. 1. In other embodiments, the shoulder 108 can be closed and may not extend all the way to the bottom of the base 101.

(10) According to an embodiment, the male coupling part of the first coupling side 104 comprises a projecting coupling tab 106. The coupling tab 106 can extend away from the base 101 and may be formed next to the female coupling part. However, the coupling tab 106 does not have to be formed next to the female coupling part and in other embodiments the coupling tab 106 may be formed at other locations on the first coupling side 104. According to an embodiment, the coupling tab 106 is not in fluid communication with the fluid passageway 107. In other words, no fluid flows through the coupling tab 106. According to the embodiment shown, the coupling tab 106 comprises an oval shaped projection. However, other shapes are certainly possible and the particular shape of the coupling tab 106 should in no way limit the scope of the present embodiment.

(11) Also visible in FIG. 1 is a fluid outlet port 109. The fluid outlet port 109 can be selectively brought into fluid communication with the fluid passageway 107 based on the energy state of the electromagnetic switch portion 102, for example.

(12) FIG. 2 shows a bottom perspective view of the fluid module 100 according to an embodiment. Now visible in FIG. 2 is the second coupling side 204 of the fluid module 100. According to the embodiment shown, the second coupling side 204 is opposite the first coupling side 104. However, in other embodiments, the second coupling side 204 may be on an adjacent side of the base 101 with respect to the first coupling side 104. In such an embodiment, the fluid passageway 107 may make a right angle within the base 101 rather than extending straight through the base 101.

(13) According to an embodiment, the second coupling side 204 includes a male coupling part, which comprises a fluid stem 205 and an engagement rim 208. The engagement rim 208 surrounds at least a portion of an outer radial surface of the fluid stem 205 close to where the fluid stem 208 extends from the second coupling side 204. According to an embodiment, the engagement rim 208 extends radially away from the fluid stem 205. According to an embodiment, the fluid stem 205 can be sized and shaped to be received within the female coupling part 105 and the engagement rim 208 can engage the shoulder 108. As shown in more detail in the figures that follow, the engagement between the engagement rim 208 and the shoulder 108 can compress a sealing member 218 to form a substantially fluid-tight seal between two adjoining fluid modules 100. The sealing member 218 may be coupled to the fluid stem 205, the engagement rim 208, or both. Alternatively, the sealing member 218 may simply slide around the fluid stem 205 and abut the engagement rim 208. In some embodiments, the sealing member 218 may comprise an O-ring. However, other types of sealing members may be used without departing from the scope of the present embodiment. According to an embodiment, the sealing member 218 can provide a fluid-tight coupling for the fluid passageway 107, for example.

(14) According to an embodiment, the engagement rim 208 comprises a generally cylindrical shape with one or more cutout regions 208a. The one or more cutout regions 208a allow the engagement rim 208 to engage the shoulder 108 of a corresponding female coupling part of an adjoining first coupling side 104. Referring briefly to FIG. 1, the shoulder 108 comprises two substantially straight portions 108a, which are joined by a curved portion 108b. The straight portions 108a are separated by a distance d.sub.1. The distance d.sub.1 is less than a distance d.sub.2, which comprises the diameter of the curved regions 208b of the engagement rim 208. As can be appreciated, the engagement rim 208 can be received by the shoulder 108 if the cutout regions 208a are aligned with the straight portions 108a of the shoulder 108. This is because the cutout regions 208a extend a distance d.sub.3, which is less than d.sub.2. Upon rotating one fluid module 100 with respect to the other, the curved regions 208b of the engagement rim 208 can be aligned with the straight portions 108a of the shoulder 108 to prevent disengagement of the two adjoining fluid modules 100.

(15) According to an embodiment, the second coupling side 204 also comprises a female coupling part. The female coupling part shown in FIG. 2 comprises a slot 206. The slot 206 can be sized and shaped to receive at least a portion of the coupling tab 106 extending from a first coupling side 104 of an adjoining fluid module 100. In some embodiments, the slot 206 is sized and shaped such that it can receive a portion of the coupling tab 106 in a snap-fit arrangement. In such embodiments, once at least a portion of the coupling tab 106 is received within the slot 206, a threshold pressure is required to disengage the coupling tab 106 from the slot 206. As can be appreciated, the slot 206 is opened at the bottom to allow the coupling tab 106 to enter from the bottom. When the coupling tab 106 engages the slot 206, the walls of the slot 206 are caught between the end of the coupling tab 106 and the wall of the first coupling side 104. The engagement between the coupling tab 106 and the slot 206 can limit the rotation of two adjoining fluid modules. In other words, the engagement can create a positive stop.

(16) FIG. 3 shows a bottom perspective view of the fluid module 100 according to another embodiment. The components of the fluid module 100 shown in FIG. 3 are substantially the same as in the previously shown embodiments. However, in FIG. 3, the ramped surfaces of the coupling parts are visible. The ramped surfaces that are described below can aid in drawing the two fluid modules 100 together as the two fluid modules 100 are rotated with respect to one another. Therefore, rotation of the fluid modules results in a clamping action and a better seal is formed. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 3, each of the coupling parts includes a ramped surface with varying thicknesses. It should be appreciated that not all of the coupling parts need to include the ramped surfaces and in some embodiments only a single coupling part may need the ramped surface while the remaining parts can be substantially flat. In some embodiments, none of the coupling parts include ramped surfaces and an adequate seal is formed by a user manually pressing the fluid stem 205 into the aperture 105 before rotating the two modules to lock them together.

(17) According to the embodiment shown, the coupling tab 106 is shown with a ramped surface that results in a first end having a first thickness 306a and a second end having a second thickness 306b. The second thickness 306b is shown as being greater than the first thickness 306a. As a result of the varying thicknesses of the coupling tab 106, as the coupling tab 106 is received by the slot 206, the increased thickness brings the two fluid modules 100 closer together.

(18) According to an embodiment, the shoulder 108 can also include ramped surfaces. The ramped surface is shown on one of the straight portions 108a of the shoulder 108 in FIG. 3. As can be seen, the straight portion 108a comprises a first thickness 308a and a second thickness 308b. The second thickness 308b is greater than the first thickness 308a. As can be appreciated, the opposite straight portion 108a can include a ramped surface; however, the thicknesses will be reversed. In other words, the second thickness 308b will be at the top of the straight portion 108a near the curved portion 108b while the first thickness 308a will be near the bottom portion of the straight section 108a. This configuration will allow the engagement rim 208 to be brought closer to the aperture 105 substantially evenly as the two fluid modules 100 are rotated relative to one another. As those skilled in the art can appreciate, if only one of the straight portions 108a includes a ramped surface, the modules will be brought together with one side tighter than the other, which could damage the modules 100 or cause a fluid leak. Therefore, if one of the straight portions 108a includes a ramped surface, then it is advantageous if both portions include ramped surfaces.

(19) Referring now to the second coupling side 204, the slot 206 can include a ramped surface with a first thickness 316a at a first end and a second thickness 316b at a second end. According to an embodiment, the second thickness 316b is greater than the first thickness 316a such that as the coupling tab 106 is being inserted into the slot, the increasing thickness of the slot 206 draws the first coupling side 104 of the adjoining fluid module 100 closer to the second coupling side 204.

(20) According to another embodiment, the engagement rim 208 can include ramped surfaces. The ramped surfaces results in each of the curved regions 208b having a first thickness 318a that increases to a second thickness 318b. As can be appreciated, the increased thicknesses can draw the fluid stem 205 into the aperture 105 further as the two fluid modules 100 are rotated relative to one another resulting in a tighter fit.

(21) FIG. 4 shows a bottom view of a fluid module 100 according to an embodiment. In FIG. 4, it can be seen that the fluid passageway 107 extends from the first coupling side 104 to the second coupling side 204. According to an embodiment, at least a portion of the female coupling part on the first coupling side 104 and at least a portion of the male coupling part on the second coupling side 204 can be in fluid communication with the fluid passageway 107. More specifically, the aperture 105 and the fluid stem 205 can be in fluid communication with the fluid passageway 107. As can be appreciated, the fluid can flow through the fluid module 100 via the fluid passageway 107. Additionally, in embodiments where the fluid module 100 comprises a valve, the fluid outlet 109 can selectively be brought into fluid communication with the fluid passageway 107.

(22) According to the embodiment shown in FIG. 4, the fluid stem 205 comprises a smaller outer diameter than the inner diameter of the fluid passageway 107 between the first and second coupling sides 104, 204. Consequently, once the fluid stem 205 is inserted into the aperture 105 of an adjoining fluid module 100, the fluid can still flow to the fluid outlet port 109 even though the end of the fluid stem 205 may extend beyond the junction where the fluid outlet port 109 splits from the fluid passageway 107.

(23) FIG. 5 shows a cross-sectional view of the fluid module 100 according to an embodiment. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 5, the fluid module 100 comprises a solenoid valve. According to an embodiment, the electromagnetic portion 102 can be actuated to open a fluid communication path between the fluid passageway 107 and the fluid outlet port 109. According to an embodiment, the fluid communication path can be controlled based on a position of a plunger 520. As is generally known in the art, the plunger 520 can be biased in a first direction via a biasing member 521. The plunger 520 can be biased in a second direction, substantially opposite the first direction upon energizing a solenoid 523. A fixed core 524 can be used to increase the magnetic attraction produced by the solenoid 523. The operation of solenoid valves is generally known in the art and thus, the description of the operation of the valve has been simplified. The important aspect of the valve shown in FIG. 5 is that the valve can be actuated to open a fluid communication path between the fluid passageway 107 and the fluid outlet port 109.

(24) FIG. 6 shows the coupling system being used to couple two adjoining fluid modules 100a, 100b according to an embodiment. In the embodiment shown, the two fluid modules 100a, 100b are substantially identical. In FIG. 6, the coupling between the two adjoining fluid modules 100a, 100b is shown at a beginning stage. As can be appreciated, FIG. 6 shows the system where the female coupling part on the first side 104 of the first fluid module 100a has received a portion of the male coupling part on the second side 204 of the second fluid module 100b. Consequently, the fluid stem 205 of the second fluid module 100b is no longer visible. The fluid stem 205 of the second fluid module 100b has been received by the aperture 105 and the fluid passageway 107. Furthermore, in the position shown in FIG. 6, the engagement rim 208 of the second fluid module 100b is positioned within the shoulder 108 of the first fluid module 100a. However, the curved regions 208b of the engagement rim 208 are not yet engaged with the straight portions 108a of the shoulder 108.

(25) According to an embodiment, in order to fully engage the two fluid modules 100a, 100b, the fluid modules need to be rotated with respect to one another. In the embodiment shown, the second fluid module 100b can be rotated in the direction of the arrow 660 with respect to the first fluid module 100a. In the embodiment shown, the fluid module 100b can be rotated approximately 90; however, in other embodiments, the degree of rotation may be different. According to an embodiment, as the second fluid module 100b rotates approximately 90, the coupling tab 106 of the first fluid module 100a engages the slot 206 of the second fluid module 100b. As mentioned above, the engagement may comprise a snap-fit engagement that subsequently requires a threshold force to be applied in order to disengage the coupling tab 106 from the slot 206. Furthermore, the engagement of the slot 206 with the coupling tab 106 can prevent the fluid module 100b from rotating further than approximately 90.

(26) Substantially simultaneously, the curved regions 208b of the engagement rim 208 of the second fluid module 100b engage the straight portions 108a of the shoulder 108 of the first fluid module 100a. As discussed above, if one or more of the coupling parts include ramped surfaces, as the second fluid module 100b is rotated, the two fluid modules 100a, 100b are also brought closer together thereby clamping the sealing member 218 to provide a substantially fluid-tight seal.

(27) As can be appreciated, additional fluid modules may be provided that are coupled in series with the second fluid module 100b in a similar manner as the second fluid module 100b was coupled to the first fluid module 100a. However, after the last fluid module 100 in the series is coupled, an end cap 600 is required to retain the fluid pressure within the system.

(28) According to an embodiment, the end cap 600 can include a plug 601, a sealing member 618, and an end cap engagement rim 608. The end cap engagement rim 608 can be substantially similar to the engagement rims 208 formed on the fluid modules 100. In some embodiments, the end cap engagement rim 608 can comprise substantially the same dimensions as the engagement rim 208 formed on the fluid modules 100. Therefore, the end cap engagement rim 608 of the end cap 600 can include cutout regions 608a that can align with the straight sections 108 of the shoulder 108. Likewise, the end cap engagement rim 608 can include curved portions 608b, which can engage with the straight portions 108a upon rotating the end cap 600 with respect to the fluid module 100.

(29) Therefore, in order to close off the end of the fluid module 100b, the end cap 600 can be inserted into the female coupling part. More specifically, the plug 601 can be inserted into the aperture 105 of the fluid module 100b. With the cutout regions 608a aligned with the straight portions 108a of the shoulder 108, the end cap 600 can be fully inserted. Thereafter, the end cap 600 can be rotated with respect to the fluid module 100 so that the rounded portions 608b of the end cap 600 can lock behind the straight portions 108a of the fluid module 100.

(30) According to an embodiment, with the end cap 600 engaged with the second fluid module 100b, the fluid stem 205 of the first fluid module 100a can be coupled to a fluid supply (not shown) and the system can be pressurized. It should be appreciated, that as an alternative, an end cap may be provided that engages the fluid stem 205 and the fluid supply can be coupled to the female coupling part of the last fluid module in the chain.

(31) The embodiments described above provide a unique coupling system for a fluid distribution system. The coupling system advantageously does not require extra components. Rather, the coupling system can be provided as integral components of fluid modules of the fluid distribution system. Further, the coupling system can include male and female coupling components on each coupling side of the fluid modules. Therefore, adequate and secure coupling can be ensured. In some embodiments, one or more of the coupling parts can include ramped surfaces that draw the two adjoining fluid modules 100 closer together as the two modules are rotated with respect to one another.

(32) The detailed descriptions of the above embodiments are not exhaustive descriptions of all embodiments contemplated by the inventors to be within the scope of the present description. Indeed, persons skilled in the art will recognize that certain elements of the above-described embodiments may variously be combined or eliminated to create further embodiments, and such further embodiments fall within the scope and teachings of the present description. It will also be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that the above-described embodiments may be combined in whole or in part to create additional embodiments within the scope and teachings of the present description.

(33) Thus, although specific embodiments are described herein for illustrative purposes, various equivalent modifications are possible within the scope of the present description, as those skilled in the relevant art will recognize. The teachings provided herein can be applied to other fluid distribution systems, and not just to the embodiments described above and shown in the accompanying figures. Accordingly, the scope of the embodiments described above should be determined from the following claims.