Abstract:
A temperature-controlled fluid processing system with accessory attachment mechanism includes an accessory annular ring feature a mounting surface and a tapered surface sloping toward a central axis of the ring feature and away from the mounting surface, and engaging components on the primary device, including concentric annular member and rotation plate. The annular member includes spaced apart through holes housing spring biased pins. The rotation plate surrounds the annular member, and includes one or more ramped inner surface(s). The plate is rotatable between an unattached position wherein the ramped surfaces apply no radial inward force to the spring-biased pins, and an attached position wherein each ramped surface displaces a pin inward through its corresponding through hole such that the conical tip of the spring-biased pin engages the tapered surface of the ring feature, thereby immobilizing the accessory with respect to a head unit of the fluid processing device.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application claims priority to and benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/212,037, filed Aug. 31, 2015, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety for all purposes. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The present invention generally relates to apparatus for rotatably attaching accessories to processing devices, such as temperature controlled air processing devices. 
         [0003]    Fluid processing devices often operate with a variety of modular accessories. Attaching and disconnecting accessories from the primary device can be a time consuming process, and may require use of a tightening tool, such as a wrench. It may be cumbersome, if not impossible, to fit a wrench or other tightening device around accessories to be attached to the processing device. 
         [0004]    Thus, an attachment mechanism is needed that provides simplicity of installation and avoidance of the disadvantages of existing technologies. If the attachment mechanism provides attachment by manual rotation only, work performance and efficiency can be greatly improved. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0005]    Objects and features for overcoming the issues with existing technologies described above are provided by the exemplary descriptive embodiments of accessory attachment apparatus below. In one such embodiment, an accessory attachment apparatus may comprise a ring feature, an annular member, one or more spring-biased pins and a rotation plate. The ring feature may be fixedly attached to, or integrally formed upon, an accessory to be connected to a processing device. The ring feature may define a central axis, and include a mounting surface for interfacing with the processing device, and a tapered surface sloping toward the central axis and away from the mounting surface. The annular member may be fixedly attached to a mounting surface formed on the processing device, whose purpose is to interface with the mounting surface of the ring feature. 
         [0006]    The annular member may have an inner surface dimensioned to concentrically face at least a portion of the tapered surface of the ring feature when the accessory is attached to the processing device. The annular member (e.g., a mounting ring, etc.) may be configured with a plurality of spaced apart radial through holes extending through the annular member from an outer surface to the inner surface. The through holes may be equally spaced apart, or otherwise configured depending upon the geometry of the accessory. Disposed in the through holes may be a corresponding plurality of spring-biased pins, each including a head on one end, a conical tip on the other end for engaging the tapered surface, and a spring biasing the respective pin to resist the engagement with the tapered surface. 
         [0007]    The rotating plate may be disposed around the annular member, and include an inner surface dimensioned and positioned to oppose the outer surface of the annular member when the accessory is attached to the processing device. The inner surface of the rotating plate may have a plurality of ramps each corresponding to one or more of the spring-biased pins. The ramps may be formed circumferentially in the inner surface of the rotating plate and may be configured to receive at least one of the heads of the plurality of spring-biased pins. The plate may be rotated reciprocally between positions wherein the accessory is unattached or attached to the processing device. Rotating the plate causes the pins to slide along the ramped surface between ‘high’ (minimum distance between the inner surface of the plate and the outer surface of the annular member) and ‘low’ (maximum distance between the inner surface of the plate and the outer surface of the annular member distance) ramp positions. In the ‘low’ ramp position, no radial inward force is applied by the ramp surface to the spring-biased pins, and in turn the accessory is not secured to the device by the pins. In the ‘high’ ramp position, the engagement of the pin(s) with a respective ramp surface results in exertion of a force directed radially inward that longitudinally displaces the spring-biased pin inward through its respective through hole such that the conical tip of the spring-biased pin engages the tapered surface of the ring feature. The engagement of the conical tip(s) of the spring-biased pin(s) results in immobilization of the accessory with respect to the device. 
         [0008]    In another embodiment, the ring feature defines an inlet through which fluids may be received by the accessory from the processing device. 
         [0009]    In another embodiment, the processing device comprises a head unit of a temperature controlled air forcing system. 
         [0010]    In certain embodiments, the rotating plate may include one or more stop features formed at either or both ends the ramp surface(s) for preventing over-rotation of the rotating plate by limiting the sliding trajectory of the spring-biased pin(s) to the circumferential path of the respective ramp surface. 
         [0011]    In another embodiment, the rotating plate may have one or more detents formed in the ‘high’ ramp position(s) for receiving a corresponding head of a spring-biased pin such that the detent provides a resistive force preventing unintended motion of the pin from the accessory attached position. 
         [0012]    In yet another embodiment, a temperature-controlled fluid processing system including a fluid chiller, controller, head unit, and an accessory attachment mechanism as identified above. A wide range of accessories and devices may be attached with the inventive attachment mechanism. In certain embodiments, the accessories may include pipes, flexible hoses, hoods, shrouds or other enclosures for providing temperature controlled environments for test articles or devices. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES 
         [0013]    The foregoing and other objects, features and advantages will be apparent from the following, more particular description of the embodiments, as illustrated in the accompanying figures, wherein like reference characters generally refer to identical or structurally and/or functionally similar parts throughout the different views. The figures are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating the principles of the embodiments, wherein: 
           [0014]      FIG. 1  is a schematic perspective view of a temperature-controlled air forcing system; 
           [0015]      FIG. 2  is a schematic perspective view of a conventional accessory attachment mechanism; 
           [0016]      FIG. 3  is a schematic elevation view of an exemplary attachment mechanism in an attached, closed or assembled state; 
           [0017]      FIG. 4  is a schematic cross-sectional view of the exemplary attachment mechanism depicted in  FIG. 3 , taken along cut lines shown in  FIG. 3 ; 
           [0018]      FIG. 5  is a schematic elevation view of an exemplary embodiment of the attachment mechanism in the detached, open or disassembled state; 
           [0019]      FIG. 6  is a schematic perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of the attachment mechanism in the attached, closed or assembled state; 
           [0020]      FIG. 7  is a schematic partial perspective exploded view of an exemplary embodiment of the attachment mechanism; 
           [0021]      FIG. 8  is another schematic partial perspective exploded view of an exemplary embodiment of the attachment mechanism; 
           [0022]      FIG. 9  is a schematic cross-sectional view of an exemplary head of a processing device and accessory prior to attachment of accessory; 
           [0023]      FIGS. 10A and 10B  are views of an exemplary T-Cap accessory; 
           [0024]      FIG. 11  is a view of an exemplary pipe and/or flexible hose accessory; 
           [0025]      FIG. 12  is a schematic perspective view of an exemplary hood, shroud or enclosure accessory; and 
           [0026]      FIG. 13  is a schematic perspective exploded view of exemplary embodiments of a processing device head, taper ring, annular member and rotation plate. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0027]    In the description that follows, like components may be given the same reference characters, regardless of whether they are shown in different examples. To illustrate an example(s) of the present disclosure in a clear and concise manner, the drawings may not necessarily be to scale and certain features may be shown in somewhat schematic form. Features that are described and/or illustrated with respect to one example may be used in the same way or in a similar way in one or more other examples and/or in combination with or instead of the features of the other examples. Reference will now be made in detail to presently preferred embodiments of the invention, one or more examples of which are illustrated in the drawings. Each example is provided to explain the invention, and is not meant as a limitation of the invention. For example, features illustrated or described as part of one embodiment, can be used in another embodiment to yield still a further embodiment. It is intended that the present description include such modifications and variations as come within the scope and spirit of the invention. 
         [0028]      FIG. 1  shows a schematic perspective view of a temperature-controlled fluid processing system (e.g, an air forcing system)  10 . According to some exemplary embodiments, the temperature-controlled air forcing system  10  may comprise a THERMOSTREAM® Air Forcing System, as manufactured and sold by inTEST Thermal Solutions Corporation of Mansfield, Massachusetts, or other similar system. 
         [0029]    Air forcing system  10  may include a chiller/controller unit  12 , including a refrigeration system for generating a stream of dry, cold gas (e.g., air), or other fluid. The chilled air may be directed into a fluid conveyor, such as a tube and hose system  16 , which directs the air into a head unit  14 . Head unit  14  may include a heater for heating the chilled air, such that temperature of the air can be precisely controlled. The temperature-controlled air may exit head  14  through an outlet  18 . 
         [0030]    It is desirable to attach interchangeable accessories to the outlet  18  of head  14 .  FIG. 2  includes a schematic perspective view of a prior accessory attachment mechanism. A first mounting ring  25  may be fixedly attached to or integrally formed with an accessory (not shown) and secured by three extended-length thumbscrews  38  protruding from holes formed through a second mounting ring  36 . Second mounting ring  36  may be fixedly attached to the end of head  14  as shown, such as by multiple screws  40 . In prior systems using this means of attachment, typical drawbacks include bent, broken, stripped and/or lost thumbscrews, potentially degrading alignment and fluidic seal tightness, as well as injury to the operator. While bolts may provide secure fixation of an accessory to a device, they require individual installation and tightening, usually with an external tightening tool. It may be cumbersome, if not impossible, to fit a wrench or other tightening device onto a clamping nut or bolt depending on the accessory to be attached to the processing device. 
         [0031]    For example, a “T-Cap” thermal cap accessory  22  (as shown in  FIGS. 1, 10A and 10B ) is commonly attached. T-Cap accessory  22  may include an inlet  26  ( FIG. 10B ) through which a fluid such as forced air from outlet  18  of head  14  passes when attached. Accessory  22  may also include a shroud  24  that can be used to surround and at least partially enclose a device under test (DUT) within a small temperature-controlled environment. Referring to  FIG. 3 , accessory  22  may attach to the outlet end of head  14  via an attachment mechanism, which may comprise a tapered or beveled ring  28 , an annular member such as an attachment ring or cup  42 , one or more spring-biased pins  46 A- 46 C, and a rotation plate  52 . Taper ring  28  may be fixedly attached or integrally formed in the top mounting surface of accessory  22 . 
         [0032]    Other interchangeable accessories may also be attached to head  14  via the attachment mechanism. That is, various housings, shrouds, enclosures, and other devices may be attached to the processing device  10 . For example,  FIG. 11  illustrates a pipe and/or flexible hose  30 , which includes a beveled cylindrical taper ring  28  at its end for attachment to head  14  via the attachment mechanism. In another embodiment shown in  FIG. 12 , accessory  22  may comprise a hood, shroud or enclosure  32  may include the taper ring  28 . Each configuration of accessory  22  includes taper ring  28  mounted to or integrally formed in the mounting surface of an accessory  22 . 
         [0033]      FIG. 9  illustrates a tapered or beveled surface  29  of taper ring  28 . As shown in  FIG. 4 , the beveled surface  29  of taper ring  28  is configured to engage conical tips of spring-biased pins  46 A- 46 C protruding from through holes formed in attachment ring  42 . Attachment ring  42  may be fixedly attached to the end of head  14 . 
         [0034]      FIGS. 3 through 8  illustrate the improved attachment mechanism, referred to herein as a “bayonet” attachment mechanism, used to attach an accessory  22  to processing device  10 , e.g., the air forcing system illustrated in  FIG. 1 . Specifically,  FIG. 3  is a schematic elevation view of the attachment mechanism in the attached, closed or assembled state.  FIG. 4  is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along cut lines shown in  FIG. 3 .  FIG. 5  is a schematic elevation view of the attachment mechanism in the detached, open or disassembled state.  FIG. 6  is a schematic perspective view of the attachment mechanism in the attached, closed or assembled state.  FIG. 7  is a schematic partial perspective exploded view of the attachment mechanism.  FIG. 8  is another schematic partial perspective exploded view of the attachment mechanism. 
         [0035]    Referring to  FIGS. 3 through 8 , according to exemplary embodiments, substantially cylindrical attachment ring (or cup)  42  may be fixedly attached to processing device  10 , specifically, head  14 , for example, by screws  44 . Attachment ring  42  may be positioned to surround taper ring  28  on accessory  22  when accessory  22  is attached to head  14 . One or more of pins  46 A- 46 C may be disposed in spring-loaded fashion by springs  47 A- 47 C, respectively, through holes in attachment ring  42 , as shown. Pins  46 A- 46 C slide longitudinally within their respective holes against the spring force of springs  47 A- 47 C, respectively. Pins  46 A- 46 C have conical tips that engage beveled or tapered surface  29  of taper ring  28  when accessory  22  is attached to and assembled on head  14 . To that end, when accessory  22  is attached to and assembled on head  14 , pins  46 A- 46 C are displaced longitudinally against spring force of springs  47 A- 47 C, respectively, such that the conical tips of pins  46 A- 46 C engage beveled surface  29  of taper ring  28 . 
         [0036]    According to exemplary embodiments, pins  46 A- 46 C may be displaced into engagement with taper ring  28  by rotation of rotation plate  52 . Specifically, rotation plate  52  is disposed to surround attachment ring  42 . During assembly or attachment, taper ring  28  of accessory  22  is disposed within the opening in attachment ring  42 , and rotation plate  52  is rotated. During rotation in a first attaching direction, illustrated in  FIG. 5  by arrow  57 , ramps  48  on rotation plate  52  engage pins  46 A- 46 C at their heads to force them into longitudinal displacement, i.e., radial displacement with respect to the center of rotation ring  52 , attachment ring  42  and taper ring  28 , due to a decrease in the distance between the ramped surface of rotation plate  52  and the outer surface of the attachment ring  42  and the pins  46 A- 46 C. When rotation plate  52  is rotated sufficiently for attachment, conical tips of pins  46 A- 46 C sufficiently engage with beveled surface  29  of taper ring  28  to immobilize accessory  22  with respect to head  14  of processing device  10 . At this fixed or attached position, as illustrated in  FIGS. 3, 4 and 5 , heads of pins  46 A- 46 C may engage respective detents  50  at the ends of respective ramps  48  in rotation ring  52 . 
         [0037]    To detach the accessory  22 , the rotational attachment process is reversed. That is, rotation ring  52  is rotated in the direction indicated by arrow  59  in  FIG. 3 . As the rotation ring  52  is rotated in this direction, springs  47 A- 47 C force their respective pins  46 A- 46 C into displacement radially away from the center of rotation ring  52 , attachment ring  42  and taper ring  28 . As a result of this displacement, conical tips of pins  46 A- 46 C come out of engagement with beveled surface  29  of taper ring  28 , thus releasing accessory  22  from head  14 . 
         [0038]    In some exemplary embodiments, stops can be included to prevent over-rotation. Specifically, optional stop  54  can be provided to prevent over-rotation past the attached, closed or assembled position, as illustrated in  FIG. 3 . Also, optional stop  56  can be provided to prevent over-rotation past the detached, open or disassembled position, as illustrated in  FIG. 5 . 
         [0039]      FIG. 9  is a schematic cross-sectional view of head  14  of system  10  and accessory  22  prior to attachment of accessory  22  to head  14 , according to some exemplary embodiments. As illustrated in  FIG. 9 , accessory  22  includes taper ring  28  fixedly attached thereto. 
         [0040]      FIGS. 10A and 10B  are views of accessory  22 , in the case in which accessory  22  is a T-Cap device, as illustrated in  FIG. 1 , according to some exemplary embodiments. Again, accessory  22  includes taper ring  28  fixedly attached thereto. 
         [0041]      FIG. 11  illustrates accessory  22 , in the case in which accessory  22  is a pipe and/or flexible hose  30 , according to some exemplary embodiments. Accessory  22 , i.e., pipe/hose  30 , includes beveled cylindrical taper ring  28  at its end for attachment to head  14  via the attachment mechanism, according to exemplary embodiments. 
         [0042]      FIG. 12  is a schematic perspective view of accessory  22 , in the case in which accessory  22  is a hood, shroud or enclosure  32 , according to some exemplary embodiments. Again, accessory  22 , i.e., hood, shroud or enclosure  32 , includes taper ring  28  fixedly attached thereto. 
         [0043]      FIG. 13  is a schematic perspective exploded view of head  14 , taper ring  28 , attachment ring  42  and rotation ring  52 , according to some exemplary embodiments. 
         [0044]    Although the above disclosure discusses what is currently considered to be a variety of useful examples, it is to be understood that such detail is solely for that purpose, and that the appended claims are not limited to the disclosed examples, but, on the contrary, are intended to cover modifications and equivalent arrangements that are within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. 
         [0045]    One skilled in the art will realize the invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or essential characteristics thereof. The foregoing embodiments are therefore to be considered in all respects illustrative rather than limiting of the invention described herein. Scope of the invention is thus indicated by the appended claims, rather than by the foregoing description, and all changes that come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are therefore intended to be embraced therein. 
         [0046]    No element, act, or instruction used herein should be construed as critical or essential unless explicitly described as such. Also, as used herein, the articles “a” and “an” are intended to include one or more items, and may be used interchangeably with “one or more.” Furthermore, as used herein, the term “set” is intended to include one or more items, and may be used interchangeably with “one or more.” Where only one item is intended, the term “one” or similar language is used. Also, as used herein, the terms “has,” “have,” “having,” or the like are intended to be open-ended terms. Further, the phrase “based on” is intended to mean “based, at least in part, on” unless explicitly stated otherwise.