U.S. patent application number 16/558619 was filed with the patent office on 2021-03-04 for multi port fluid connector.
The applicant listed for this patent is Loon LLC. Invention is credited to Keegan Gartner, Mathew Tabor.
Application Number | 20210062947 16/558619 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000005399710 |
Filed Date | 2021-03-04 |
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United States Patent
Application |
20210062947 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Tabor; Mathew ; et
al. |
March 4, 2021 |
MULTI PORT FLUID CONNECTOR
Abstract
Aspects of the disclosure relate to a fluid connector mechanism
having an opening therethrough. The mechanism may include a
connector having a connector base portion and a piston portion
including a piston housing and a piston. The opening may extend
from the piston portion, through the piston, and through the
connector base portion. The mechanism may also include a base
having first and second pairs of O-rings arranged in first and
second pairs of grooves, the opening further extending from one end
of the base to another. The connector base portion and the base may
be configured to engage with one another and create fluid-tight
seals with the O-rings while the piston is arranged outside of the
base.
Inventors: |
Tabor; Mathew; (San
Francisco, CA) ; Gartner; Keegan; (Los Gatos,
CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Loon LLC |
Mountain View |
CA |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
1000005399710 |
Appl. No.: |
16/558619 |
Filed: |
September 3, 2019 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F16L 37/56 20130101;
F16L 37/025 20130101; F16J 15/32 20130101 |
International
Class: |
F16L 37/02 20060101
F16L037/02; F16L 37/56 20060101 F16L037/56 |
Claims
1. A system comprising a fluid connector mechanism having an
opening therethrough, the fluid connector mechanism further
including: a connector having a connector base portion and a piston
portion including a piston housing, a piston, and the opening
extends from the piston portion, through the piston, and through
the connector base portion, the connector base portion including
first and second chambers configured to allow fluid to flow from
the connector into the base when the connector is engaged with the
base; and a base having first and second pairs of O-rings arranged
in first and second pairs of grooves, the opening further extending
from one end of the base to another, and wherein the connector base
portion and the base are configured to engage with one another and
create fluid-tight seals with the O-rings while the piston is
arranged outside of the base.
2. The system of claim 1, wherein the piston housing includes a
chamber, and the piston is arranged such that pressurizing the
chamber causes the piston to move relative to the piston housing
and engage the connector with the base.
3. (canceled)
4. The system of claim 1, wherein the first and second chambers are
completely separate and do not allow for fluid to pass between the
first chamber and the second chamber during operation.
5. The system of claim 4, wherein the connector base portion
includes a chamfer and the first and second chambers include
respective chamber openings arranged in the chamfer.
6. The system of claim 5, wherein the base includes a groove
arranged in an interior surface of the base and another O-ring in
the groove, and wherein when the connector is engaged with the
base, the another O-ring creates a pair of separate chambers, and
each of the respective chamber openings is connected to one of the
pair of separate chambers.
7. The system of claim 6, wherein the base includes a pair of fluid
ports, and wherein each one of the pair of separate chambers is
connected to a respective one of the pair of fluid ports.
8. The system of claim 5, further comprising a plug in one of the
respective chamber openings.
9. The system of claim 4, wherein the first chamber includes a
first chamber opening arranged in the chamfer and the second
chamber includes a second chamber opening arranged in an outer side
surface of the connector base portion.
10. The system of claim 9, wherein the base includes a fluid port
and when the connector is engaged with the base, the first chamber
opening is arranged to allow fluid to flow from the first chamber
opening into a chamber between the connector and the base and out
of the fluid connector mechanism through the fluid port.
11. The system of claim 1, wherein the base further includes a port
positioned between the first pair of grooves, and when the
connector is engaged with the base, a second chamber opening is
arranged in fluid communication with the port.
12. The system of claim 1, wherein the base includes a groove
arranged in an interior surface of the base and another O-ring in
the groove.
13. The system of claim 1, wherein the first pair of grooves is
arranged in a first interior surface of the base and the second
pair of grooves is arranged in a second interior surface of the
base.
14. The system of claim 13, wherein the first interior surface is
opposite of the second interior surface.
15. The system of claim 1, wherein the connector base portion
includes a first chamfer and the base includes a second chamfer and
wherein when the connector base portion is inserted into the base,
the first chamfer is configured to engage with the second chamfer
and thereby self-align the connector with the base.
16. The system of claim 15, wherein the first chamfer is an outer
chamfer, the connector base portion includes a third chamfer that
is an interior chamfer, and the base includes a fourth chamfer and
wherein when the connector base portion is inserted into the base,
the third interior chamfer is configured to engage with the fourth
chamfer and thereby self-align the connector with the base.
17. The system of claim 16, wherein the third chamfer is arranged
to enable load distribution during operation and prevents the first
and second pairs of O-rings from slipping out of the first and
second pairs of grooves.
18. The system of claim 1, wherein the connector is configured for
a blind mate connection with the base.
19. The system of claim 1, further comprising a balloon, and
wherein the base portion is connected to a structure which is
connected to a fill port of the balloon, and in operation, lift gas
is provided to the fill port via the opening and the structure.
Description
BACKGROUND
[0001] Various systems, such as cranes, towing machines, and other
devices, employ grabbing mechanisms to grab, hold, lift, and move
objects. These mechanisms may include hooks, pneumatically operated
claws or grabbers, etc. which require pneumatic connectors. These
connectors are typically configured for single connection devices
or rather control of a single device via a single fluid port.
BRIEF SUMMARY
[0002] Aspects of the present disclosure provide a system
comprising a fluid connector mechanism having an opening
therethrough. The fluid connector including a connector having a
connector base portion and a piston portion including a piston
housing, a piston. The opening extends from the piston portion,
through the piston, and through the connector base portion. The
fluid connector also includes a base having first and second pairs
of O-rings arranged in first and second pairs of grooves. The
opening extending from one end of the base to another, and the
connector base portion and the base are configured to engage with
one another and create fluid-tight seals with the O-rings while the
piston is arranged outside of the base.
[0003] In one example, the piston housing includes a chamber, and
the piston is arranged such that pressurizing the chamber causes
the piston to move relative to the piston housing and engage the
connector with the base. In another example, the connector base
portion also includes first and second chambers configured to allow
fluid to flow from the connector into the base when the connector
is engaged with the base. In this example, the first and second
fluid chambers are completely separate and do not allow for fluid
to pass between the first chamber and the second chamber during
operation. In addition, the connector base portion includes a
chamfer and the first and second chambers include respective
chamber openings arranged in the chamfer. In addition, the base
includes a groove arranged in an interior surface of the base and
another O-ring in the groove, and when the connector is engaged
with the base, the another O-right creates a pair of separate
chambers, and each of the respective chamber openings is connected
to one of the pair of separate chambers. In addition, the base
includes a pair of fluid ports, and each one of the pair of
separate chambers is connected to a respective one of the pair of
fluid ports. In some examples, the system includes a plug in one of
the respective chamber openings. In some examples, the first
chamber includes a first chamber opening arranged in the chamfer
and the second chamber includes a second chamber opening arranged
in an outer side surface of the connector base portion. In this
example, the base includes a fluid port and when the connector is
engaged with the base, the first chamber opening is arranged to
allow fluid to flow from the first chamber opening into a chamber
between the connector and the base and out of the mechanism through
the fluid port. In another example, the base also includes a port
positioned between the first pair of grooves, and when the
connector is engaged with the base, the second chamber opening is
arranged in fluid communication with the port. In another example,
the base includes a groove arranged in an interior surface of the
base and another O-ring in the groove. In another example, the
first pair of grooves is arranged in a first interior surface of
the base and the second pair of grooves is arranged in a second
interior surface of the base. In this example, the first interior
surface is opposite of the second interior surface. In another
example, the connector base portion includes a first chamfer and
the base includes a second chamfer, and when the connector base
portion is inserted into the base, the first chamfer is configured
to engage with the second chamfer and thereby self-align the
connector with the base. In another example, the first chamfer is
an outer chamfer, the connector base portion includes a third
chamfer that is an interior chamfer, the base includes a fourth
chamfer, and when the connector base portion is inserted into the
base, the third interior chamfer is configured to engage with the
fourth chamfer and thereby self-align the connector with the base.
In this example, the third chamfer is arranged to enable load
distribution during operation and prevents the first and second
pairs of O-rings from slipping out of the first and second pairs of
grooves. In another example, the connector is configured for a
blind mate connection with the base. In another example, the system
also includes a balloon having a balloon envelope, and the base
portion is connected to a structure which is connected to a fill
port of the balloon envelope, and in operation, lift gas may be
provided to the fill port via the opening and the structure.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0004] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a multi-port fluid
connector mechanism for fluid routing in accordance with aspects of
the disclosure.
[0005] FIG. 2 provides a perspective view of a connector base
portion in accordance with aspects of the disclosure.
[0006] FIG. 3 provides a perspective view of a connector base
portion in accordance with aspects of the disclosure.
[0007] FIG. 4 is a top-down view of a connector base portion in
accordance with aspects of the disclosure.
[0008] FIG. 5 is a partially transparent view of a connector base
portion in accordance with aspects of the disclosure.
[0009] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an O-ring in accordance with
aspects of the disclosure.
[0010] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of a multi-port fluid
connector mechanism for fluid routing in accordance with aspects of
the disclosure.
[0011] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a connector base portion
being inserted into and engaged with a partially transparent view
of a base in accordance with aspects of the disclosure.
[0012] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of a base portion inserted
into a base in accordance with aspects of the disclosure.
[0013] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a base in accordance
with aspects of the disclosure.
[0014] FIG. 11 provides a perspective view of a connector base
portion with a chamber opening shown as blocked by a plug in
accordance with aspects of the disclosure.
[0015] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a base in accordance with
aspects of the disclosure.
[0016] FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of a base in accordance
with aspects of the disclosure.
[0017] FIG. 14 is a cross sectional view of a connector base
portion inserted into and engaged with a base in accordance with
aspects of the disclosure.
[0018] FIG. 15 includes an example system including a moving
mechanism connected to a grabbing mechanism which together can be
used to lift (vertically), pull (horizontally), or otherwise move a
load or object in accordance with aspects of the disclosure.
[0019] FIG. 16 is an example of a portion of a crane attached to a
top plate of a balloon as well as a detail view of the top plate in
accordance with aspects of the disclosure.
[0020] FIG. 17 is an example perspective view of a pick and release
mechanism, a multi-port fluid connector mechanism, and a top plate
in accordance with aspects of the disclosure.
[0021] FIG. 18 is another example perspective view of a pick and
release mechanism, a multi-port fluid connector mechanism, and a
top plate in accordance with aspects of the disclosure.
[0022] FIG. 19 is another example perspective view of a pick and
release mechanism, a multi-port fluid connector mechanism, and a
top plate in accordance with aspects of the disclosure.
[0023] FIG. 20 is a top-down view of a pick and release mechanism
and a multi-port fluid connector mechanism in accordance with
aspects of the disclosure.
[0024] FIG. 21 is another top-down view of a pick and release
mechanism and a multi-port fluid connector mechanism in accordance
with aspects of the disclosure.
[0025] FIG. 22 is a partial side view of the first portion
depicting the bar lock plate in the open position in accordance
with aspects of the disclosure
[0026] FIG. 23 is a partial side view of the first portion
depicting the bar lock plate in the locked position in accordance
with aspects of the disclosure.
[0027] FIG. 24 is a partial side view of the first portion
depicting the bar lock plate ejecting an arm in accordance with
aspects of the disclosure.
[0028] FIG. 25 provides a cross-sectional view of aspects of
connector base portion, a first portion, a grabbing mechanism, a
fill line, a fill port, and a top plate in accordance with aspects
of the disclosure.
[0029] FIG. 26 is a detail view of a portion of FIG. 25 in
accordance with aspects of the disclosure.
[0030] FIG. 27 is an example view of a grabbing mechanism when
engaged with a top plate in accordance with aspects of the
disclosure.
[0031] FIG. 28 is an example view a grabbing mechanism when not
engaged with a top plate in accordance with aspects of the
disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0032] The technology relates to a multi-port fluid connector
mechanism for fluid routing. An example mechanism may include
connector and a base configured to engage with one another. The
connector and base are configured to pass fluid from the connector
portion into and through the base portion via a plurality of
individual chambers. This may enable the mechanism to supply
different fluids independently from one another. Other features and
benefits are discussed further below.
[0033] The connector may include two substructures: a piston
portion and a connector base portion. The piston portion and the
connector base portion may be attached to one another via bolts or
any other connection devices or means. The connector may include an
interior opening in order to enable a first fluid to pass from a
first end of the connector to a second end of the connector.
[0034] The piston portion may include a cylindrical piston housing
including an interior piston. The piston housing may include one or
more openings which may be connected to a pressurized or compressed
air source in order to move the piston relative to the piston
housing. The opening that passes through the piston portion also
passes through the piston. Moving the piston also changes the
position of the opening relative to the piston housing.
[0035] The connector base portion may also include a pair of
chambers separate from the opening. These chambers may allow fluid
to enter into the connector base portion and flow into the
base.
[0036] The base may include a plurality of sealing O-rings. The
plurality of O-rings may include corresponding pairs of O-rings
each arranged in respective grooves in opposing interior side
surfaces of the base as well as a fifth O-ring arranged in a groove
in a bottom interior side surface of the base. The base may also
include an inward-oriented chamfer and an outward-oriented chamfer,
each configured to engage with a corresponding chamfer of the
connector. The base may also include a generally complementary
shape with respect to the connector base portion. This may enable
the O-rings to create the fluid-tight seals when the connector is
engaged with the base.
[0037] The base portion may also include a pair of fluid ports
which allow fluid from the chambers to exit the base portion. Once
engaged with the connector, the O-ring arranged in the groove of
the base interior surface may create a pair of chambers between the
connector and the base. Each one of these chambers may be connected
to a respective one of the pair of fluid ports as well as a
respective one of the chambers of the connector base portion. In
this regard, the chamber openings in the outer chamfer may align
with respective chambers allowing fluid to flow from each one of
the chamber openings into a respective one of the chambers.
[0038] Alternatively, rather than using an O-ring to create a pair
of chambers and rather than both of the chamber openings allowing
fluid to flow out of the connector at the chamfer, one of the
chamber openings may be removed or blocked. In this instance, an
additional chamber opening may be arranged in an outer side surface
of the connector base portion. When the connector is engaged with
the base, the additional chamber opening may be positioned between
the pair of O-rings arranged in one of the interior surfaces of the
base. In this regard, the pair of O-rings may form a fluid-tight
chamber between the connector and the base. The base also includes
a port to enable fluid from the chamber to exit the base.
[0039] The mechanism described herein may be utilized in any number
of gas dispensing, metering or storage equipment configurations and
may also be used with various other devices as described further
below.
[0040] The features described herein may provide a wide range of
useful benefits. For instance, the configuration of the chamfers,
which enables self-aligning or centering, may minimize engagement
time as well as the potential for mistakes when aligning the
connector and the base with one another. Thus, the mechanism
provides for precise control in imprecise environments and may be
especially useful in non-precision equipment, like large cranes or
where a large arm is incapable of repeatedly returning to the exact
same position. In addition, because the position of the piston can
be controlled via a remote air source and because the connector is
self-aligning centering, operation of the mechanism may be
performed remotely. The combination of the cylindrical and
complementary shapes of the connector and the base as well as the
aforementioned chamfers may enable the connector to be constrained
in translation, pitch and yaw with respect to the base once the
connector and the base are fully engaged. In other words, the seals
may remain fluid-tight even when the two sides of the connector are
loaded in bending or in shear. This may be especially useful for
use in systems which may be subject to high side and vertical
loads. In addition, the mechanism enables the use of multiple (and
even different types of) fluids, minimizes engagement time as well
as the potential for mistakes.
[0041] Aspects, features and advantages of the disclosure will be
appreciated when considered with reference to the foregoing
description of embodiments and accompanying figures. The same
reference numbers in different drawings may identify the same or
similar elements. Furthermore, the following description is not
limiting; the scope of the present technology is defined by the
appended claims and equivalents.
[0042] FIG. 1 is an example cross-sectional view of a multi-port
fluid connector mechanism 100 for fluid routing. In this example,
the mechanism 100 includes a connector 110 and a base 120
configured to engage with one another. The connector 110 and base
120 may be configured to pass fluid from the connector portion into
and through the base portion via a plurality of individual
chambers. This may enable the mechanism to supply different fluids
independently from one another.
[0043] The connector 110 may include two substructures: a piston
portion 130 and a connector base portion 140. The piston portion
and the connector base portion may be attached to one another via
bolts or any other connection devices or means. The connector 110
may include an interior opening 112 (collectively 112a in the
piston portion 130, 112b in the base portion 140, and 112c in the
base 120 in FIG. 1) in order to enable a first fluid to pass from a
first end 114 of the connector (at the piston portion) to a second
end 116 of the connector (at the connector base portion). The width
of the interior opening 112 may be selected according to a flow
rate and pressure of fluid to pass through the opening during use.
For example, the opening may be 1 inch in diameter or more or less
along portions of the opening in order to provide lift gas such as
helium to a balloon envelope of a balloon. The same or other
diameter sizes may be helpful for different environments or
systems.
[0044] The piston portion 130 may include a piston housing 132
including an interior piston 134. In this example, the piston
housing is cylindrical. The piston housing 132 may include one or
more openings 136, 138 which may be connected to a pressurized or
compressed air source in order to move the piston relative to the
piston housing. In this regard, pressurizing a chamber 132a (see
FIG. 7) or 132b in which the piston 134 (via opening 136 or 138)
resides within the piston housing 132 causes the piston 134 to move
relative to the piston housing. The part of the interior opening
112 that passes through the piston portion 130 also passes through
the piston 134. The piston portion 130 may thus be a hollow-bore
cylinder to allow for the passing of fluid therethrough. In this
regard, moving the piston 134 also changes the position of the
interior opening 112 relative to the position of the piston housing
132. In this regard, by moving the piston in the direction of arrow
150, this may enable an operator to force the connector portion
into the base portion when connecting the connector portion with
the base portion (as shown in FIG. 7 discussed further below).
[0045] FIGS. 2 and 3 provide perspective views of the connector
base portion 140, FIG. 4 is a top-down view of the connector base
portion 140, and FIG. 5 is a partially transparent view of the
connector base portion. The connector base portion 140 may include
a pair of chambers 210, 220 separate from the interior opening 112.
The chambers 210, 220 (FIGS. 5 and 6) may each include respective
chamber openings 210a, 210b, 220a, 220b (FIG. 3) in a side surface
230 and in an outer chamfer 240 of the connector. The chamber
openings 210a, 220a may allow fluid to enter into the chambers 210,
220 and pass from the chambers, for instance following the
directions of arrows 510, 512, 520, 522, through the chamber
openings 210b, 220b and out of the connector base portion. In this
regard, these chambers may allow fluid to enter into the connector
base portion 140 and flow into the base 120. For example, the
chambers 210, 220 may be sized to allow a fluid such a nitrogen to
flow through the connector base portion. In this regard, these
chambers 210, 220 may be narrower than the interior opening 112. At
the same time a third fluid may flow through the interior opening
112b, for instance in the direction of arrow 530, without mixing
with the fluid in the chambers 210, 220.
[0046] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the mechanism 100 with
connector base portion 140 inserted into the base 120. The base 120
may include a plurality of sealing O-rings. FIG. 6 is a perspective
view of an O-ring 600 which may correspond to any of O-rings 600a,
600b, 600c, 600d, and 600e shown, for example, in FIGS. 1 and 7.
The plurality of O-rings may include corresponding pairs of O-rings
600a, 600b and 600c, 600d each arranged in respective grooves 610a,
610b, 610c, 610d (FIG. 1) in opposing interior side surfaces 620,
622 (FIG. 1) of the base as well as a fifth O-ring 600e arranged in
a groove 610e in a bottom interior side surface 122 of the base
120. These O-rings may be made from materials appropriate for
forming fluid-tight seals such as fluorosilicone or other
materials. Because the O-rings are internally housed, they may be
protected from the external environment of the mechanism and less
likely to move out of place or degrade.
[0047] As shown in FIG. 1, the base 120 may also include an
inward-oriented chamfer 630 and an outward-oriented chamfer 640,
each configured to engage with a corresponding outer and inner
chamfers 632, 642, respectively, of the connector base portion 140.
An interior portion 650 of the base 120 may also include a
generally complementary shape with respect to an exterior portion
652 of the connector base portion 140. This may enable the O-rings
to create the fluid-tight seals when the connector is engaged with
the base.
[0048] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the connector base portion
140 being inserted into a partially transparent view of the base
120. As noted above, the connector base portion 140 includes an
outer chamfer 632 around an exterior of the connector base portion
and an inner chamfer 642. The four chamfers 630, 632, 640, 642 may
enable the connector base portion 140 to blind mate with the base
120. When engaging with the base 120, the outer chamfers enable the
connector to align itself with respect to the base. For example,
the outer chamfer 632 of the connector base portion 140 is able to
slide against the inward-oriented chamfer 630 of the base, forcing
the connector base portion to move in the direction of arrow 810 in
order to self-align or center the connector base portion 140 with
respect to the base 120. This outer chamfer 632 of the connector
base portion may also enable the connector to reduce or even
eliminate loading on sealing surfaces of the base 120 while
maintaining seals during operation. Similarly, when engaging with
the base 120, the inner chamfer 642 of the connector base portion
140 and outward-oriented chamfer 640 of the base 120 may also allow
for self-aligning or centering of the connector base portion 140
with respect to the base 120. In addition, the inner chamfer 642
may also allow for load distribution during operation to ensure
that the O-rings 600a, 600b, 600c, 600d, 600e maintain contact with
the respective grooves and the connector base portion and prevent
fluid from leaking between the chambers 210, 220 when under heavy
side loading.
[0049] FIG. 9 is another cross-sectional view of the connector base
portion 140 inserted into and engaged with into the base 120. Once,
the connector base portion 140 is engaged with the base 120 (as
shown in FIGS. 7 and 9), the O-ring 600e arranged in the groove
610e of the base interior surface may create a pair of chambers
910, 920 between the connector base portion 140 and the base 120.
These chambers may be separate from one another. For instance, a
lower portion 242 of the connector base portion may create a
fluid-tight seal between the connector base portion and the O-ring
600e. The O-ring 600e may divide the space between the lower
portion 242 and the bottom interior side surface 122 into the
chambers 910 and 920 as shown in FIG. 9. Each one of these chambers
910, 920 may be connected to a respective one of the chambers as
well as a respective one of the chambers of the connector base
portion. In this regard, the chamber openings in the outer chamfer
may align with respective chambers allowing fluid to flow from each
one of the chamber openings into a respective one of the chambers.
Again, this configuration may enable two completely separate (i.e.
no mixing) fluid channels through the mechanism.
[0050] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the base 120. The base
may also include fluid ports 1010, 1020 to allow fluid from the
chambers 910, 920 to exit the base 120. In this regard, each of the
fluid ports 1010, 1020 may be in fluid communication with one of
chambers 910, 920. For instance, fluid from chamber 910 may exit
the base via fluid port 1010, and fluid from chamber 920 may exit
the base via fluid port 1020. The fluid ports 1010, 1020 may be
connected to different valves to allow for independent downstream
component actuation and may allow for compact coupling of multiple
independent pneumatic devices to the mechanism 100.
[0051] Alternatively, rather than using an O-ring 600e to create a
pair of chambers 910, 920 and rather than both of the chamber
openings 210b, 220b allowing fluid to flow out of the connector at
the chamfer, one of the chamber openings may be removed or blocked
(for instance, with a plug or other device). In this way, during
manufacture, the chamber openings may be created in the connector
base portion by drilling completely through the connector base
portion. FIG. 11 provides a perspective view of a connector base
portion 1140 which may include the various features discussed above
with regard to the connector base portion 140. In this example, the
connector base portion 1140 need not include O-ring 600e or groove
610e, and the chamber opening 220b may be blocked by a plug 1150 to
prevent fluid from passing through the chamber opening 220b. The
plug may be threaded and formed or made of various materials,
including for example, brass, stainless steel, aluminum, or other
devices used for high-pressure pipe fittings, etc. Alternatively,
rather than using a plug, the connector base portion 1140 need not
include the chamber opening 220b. In either instance, an additional
chamber opening 1110 may be arranged in an outer side surface 1130
of the connector base portion 140.
[0052] FIG. 12 provides a perspective view of a base 1120 which may
include the various features discussed above with regard to the
base 120. FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of the base 1120. In
this example, rather than including fluid port 1010, the base 1120
includes a fluid port 1210 which, when the base 1120 and connector
base portion 1140 are engaged with one another, is in fluid
communication with the additional chamber opening 1110.
[0053] FIG. 14 is a cross sectional view of the connector base
portion 1140 inserted into and engaged with the base 1120. When the
connector base portion 1140 is engaged with the base 1120, the
additional chamber opening 1110 may be positioned between a pair of
O-rings, here O-rings 600b, 600d (not shown in FIG. 14 for clarity)
arranged in the grooves 610b, 610c of the base 120. In this regard,
the O-rings 600b, 600c may form a fluid-tight chamber 1420 between
the connector base portion 1140 and the base 1120. The fluid port
1020 may to enable fluid within the chamber 1420 to exit the base
1120. In this regard, fluid within the chamber 1420 may flow out of
the base via the fluid port 1020, for instance in the direction of
arrow 1430. In addition, a second fluid-tight chamber 1410 may be
formed by the O-rings 610c, 610d and a lower portion 242 of the
connector base portion 1140 and the bottom interior side surface
122 of the base 1120. In this regard, fluid within the chamber 1410
may flow out of the base via the fluid port 1210, for instance in
the direction of arrow 1440. As such, each of the fluid ports 1210,
1220 may be in fluid communication with one of chambers 1410, 1420,
each of which is separate from the other.
[0054] As with fluid ports 1010, 1020, the fluid ports 1210, 1020
as shown in FIG. 14 may be connected to different valves 1430, 1440
to allow for independent downstream component actuation (such as
the grabbing mechanism 1530 discussed further below) and may allow
for compact coupling of multiple independent pneumatic devices to
the mechanism 100.
[0055] The mechanism 100 described herein may be utilized in any
number of gas dispensing, metering or storage equipment. This could
be adapted for as many gasses as needed, or as high of flows as
needed, for use in aerospace, oil and gas, semiconductor
manufacturing, pharmaceutical manufacturing, or any other industry
in which multiple high flow gasses need to be connected from one
point to another.
[0056] FIG. 15 includes an example system 1500 including a moving
mechanism 1510, connected to a grabbing mechanism 1530 which
together can be used to lift (vertically), pull (horizontally), or
otherwise move a load or object 1540. The mechanism 100 may be
arranged between the moving mechanism 1510 and the grabbing
mechanism 1530 to enable fluid to flow from a pressurized fluid
source (or sources) 1520 through the mechanism 100 to the grabbing
mechanism 1530. The arrows 1550, 1552, 1554 each represent
mechanical connections between the moving mechanism 1510 and the
mechanism 100, between the mechanism 100 and the grabbing mechanism
1530, and between the grabbing mechanism 1530 and the object 1540,
respectively, as discussed in further detail below. This example
should not be considered as limiting the scope of the disclosure or
usefulness of the features described herein.
[0057] The moving mechanism 1510 may include a tool (such as a
handheld or larger device), a machine for towing (such as a car,
truck, or train), or other device that can be used to move and
release objects such as robotic arms, assembly machine parts,
construction equipment, sorting machines, pick and place robots,
various types of cranes, including gantry cranes and jib cranes,
etc. The moving mechanism 1510 may be attached to or include a
pressurized fluid source (or sources) 1520 such as an air source,
compressor, or other device which can provide one or more
pressurized fluids (air or gas) to the mechanism 100.
[0058] FIG. 16 is an example of a portion of a crane 1610 attached
to a top plate 1620 of a balloon (not shown) which may correspond
to the object 1540 as well as a detail view of the top plate 1620.
For instance, when launching a balloon using a crane and filling a
balloon envelope from the top down, the mechanism 100 may be
especially useful. For example, a fill port of the balloon as well
as various grab and release mechanisms may need to be connected to
individual separate gas sources quickly and automatically while
accounting for high side loads imparted by the balloon during
filling operations. The mechanism 100 may enable two separate lines
(for instance via the chambers 910, 920 or the chambers 1410 and
1420) for pressurized fluids to allow independent movement of
different components of the grabbing mechanism 1530 and a third
separate line (for instance via the interior opening 112) which
maintains the ability to push high purity high flow helium.
[0059] The mechanism 100 may also be used with other devices. For
instance, FIGS. 17, 18, and 19 are example perspective views of a
pick and release mechanism 1700 with mechanism 100 and the top
plate 1620. FIGS. 20 and 21 are top down views of the mechanism
1700 and mechanism 100. In this regard, the mechanism 100 may be
incorporated into the mechanism 1700 which is connected to a
balloon envelope in order to fill the balloon envelope with lift
gas and thereafter disconnected in order to allow for launching of
the balloon. For instance, this second mechanism may include first
and second portions 1710, 1720. In the example of FIG. 17, the
first and second portions 1710, 1720 are engaged with one another,
and in the example of FIGS. 18, 20 and 21, the first and second
portions are not engaged with one another.
[0060] The first portion 1710 may connect to a boom of a crane
(such as crane 1610 of FIG. 16) and includes a pair of angled
surfaces 1712, 1714 each of which terminate at a respective bar
lock plate 1722, 1724. The piston portion 130 and connector base
portion 140 or 1140 of mechanism 100 may be arranged at one end
1734 of a body 1730 of the first portion 1710. The angled surfaces
1712, 1714 may extend away from the body 1730. The first portion
1710 may also include a mechanical crimper 1740 which can crimp and
therefore seal a fill port 2510 (shown in FIG. 25) of the
balloon.
[0061] The second portion 1720 is connected to the grabbing
mechanism 1530 for grabbing the object 1540, such as the top plate
1620. The grabbing mechanism 1530 may function to grab and release
pull studs utilizing fluid, such as nitrogen, from the
aforementioned chambers of the connector base portion of the
mechanism. The grabbing mechanism 1530 may include any type of
grabbing mechanism capable of automatically releasing the object
pneumatically or hydraulically. For instance, the grabbing
mechanism 1530 may include a hook, claw, grabbers, tow or other
hitch, etc. that can grab the object and when supplied with
pressurized fluid (such as air or gas) will automatically release
the object 1540.
[0062] The second portion 1720 also includes a pair of arms 1750,
1752 or guide bars which extend laterally from a body 1760 of the
second portion. The base 120 or 1120 mechanism 100 may be attached
to one end 1764 of the body 1760 via bolts, screws or other
fasteners. The body 1760 also includes a structure or fill line
1762 which connects the opening in the base with the fill port
2520. The fill line 1762 also connects with the fill port 2510.
[0063] In order to insert the second portion 1720 into the first
portion 1710, the first portion may be moved lateral towards the
second portion. Eventually the arms 1750, 1752 will contact a
respective one of the angled surfaces 1712, 1714. The arms 1750,
1752 may then slide along the angled surfaces. The angle and
relative positions of the angled surfaces 1712, 1714 with respect
to the first portion 1710 act as a guide for the arms 1750, 1752
and may allow for quite a bit of freedom when attempting to line up
the first portion 1710 and the second portion 1720 as shown in
FIGS. 19, 20 and 21. For example, the angled surfaces 1712, 1714
may provide a relatively large mate window 1910 (for example, 300
mm.times.150 mm window or larger or smaller) within which if the
arms 1750, 1752 are driven will still precisely mate the first
portion 1710 with the second portion 1720. In other words, relative
positioning does not have to be exact when inserting the second
portion 1720 into the first portion 1710 which may be especially
helpful in situations where the 1610 crane with an imprecise boom
is used.
[0064] FIGS. 22-24 are partial side views of the first portion 1710
depicting the bar lock plate in the open position, in the locked
position, and ejecting arm 1752. Once the arms 1750, 1752 are fully
inserted into the first portion 1710 (as shown in FIG. 22) the bar
lock plates 1722, 1724 may be moved as indicated by arrow 2310 and
locked against the arms (as shown in FIG. 23) in order to prevent
the first portion and the second portion from disengaging one
another. To eject and release the arms 1750, 1752, the bar lock
plates may be moved in the direction of arrow 2320. In addition,
the shape of the bar lock plates are configured to smoothly eject
the arms 1750, 1752 (as shown in FIG. 24). For example, ejection
face on the bar lock plates may have an arc shape, resulting in a
nonlinear transition, such that the bar lock plates are able to
initiate movement of the arms 1740, 1752 without excessive force.
This arc shape may also allow the bar lock plates to carry the arms
fully through ejection with a smooth curve and reducing or
eliminating any jolts or jarring motions or forces on the arms
while at the same time preventing the arms from getting jammed on
the bar lock plates.
[0065] FIG. 25 provides a partial cross-sectional view of the
connector base portion 140/1140, first portion 1710, grabbing
mechanism 1530, fill line 1762, fill port 2510, and top plate 1620,
and FIG. 26 is a detail view of a portion of FIG. 25. FIG. 27 is an
example view of the grabbing mechanism 1530 when engaged with the
top plate 1620, and FIG. 28 is an example view the grabbing
mechanism 1530 when not engaged with the top plate 1620. Once
engaged with the top plate, the connector base portion 140 or 1140
may be positioned just above the base 120, 1120. In order to engage
the connector base portion 140 or 1140 with the base 120, 1120, the
piston 134 may be activated via the opening 136 as described above.
This may force the connector base portion 140 or 1140 into the base
120 or 1120 forming the seals as noted above. At this point, lift
gas 2520 may be provided to the balloon envelope by way of the
interior opening 112 and the fill line 1762. Once inflated to the
desired amount, the fill port 2510 may be crimped using the crimper
1740, and the top plate 1620 may be release by activating the
grabbing mechanism 1530 using a fluid, for instance nitrogen, from
the pressurized fluid source (or sources) 1520 via chambers 910,
920 or chambers 1410, 1420. In this regard, the chambers 910, 920
and chambers 1410, 1420 may act as conduits. Eventually, the bar
lock plates 1722, 1724 may also be unlocked in order to eject (by
force) and release the first portion 1710 from the second portion
1720.
[0066] The features described herein may provide a wide range of
useful benefits. For instance, the configuration of the chamfers,
which enables self-centering, may minimize engagement time as well
as the potential for mistakes when aligning the connector and the
base with one another. Thus, the mechanism provides for precise
control in imprecise environments and may be especially useful in
non-precision equipment, like large cranes or where a large arm is
incapable of repeatedly returning to the exact same position. In
addition, because the position of the piston can be controlled via
a remote air source and because the connector is self-centering,
operation of the mechanism may be performed remotely. The
combination of the cylindrical and complementary shapes of the
connector and the base as well as the aforementioned chamfers may
enable the connector to be constrained in translation, pitch and
yaw with respect to the base once the connector and the base are
fully engaged. In other words, the seals may remain fluid-tight
even when the two sides of the connector are loaded in bending or
in shear. This may be especially useful for use in systems which
may be subject to high side and vertical loads. In addition, the
mechanism enables the use of multiple (and even different types of)
fluids, minimizes engagement time as well as the potential for
mistakes.
[0067] Most of the foregoing alternative examples are not mutually
exclusive, but may be implemented in various combinations to
achieve unique advantages. As these and other variations and
combinations of the features discussed above can be utilized
without departing from the subject matter defined by the claims,
the foregoing description of the embodiments should be taken by way
of illustration rather than by way of limitation of the subject
matter defined by the claims. In addition, the provision of the
examples described herein, as well as clauses phrased as "such as,"
"including" and the like, should not be interpreted as limiting the
subject matter of the claims to the specific examples; rather, the
examples are intended to illustrate only one of many possible
embodiments. Further, the same reference numbers in different
drawings can identify the same or similar elements.
* * * * *