Actuated Coupler Locking and Sealing for Pressurized Lines
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional conduit couplers require manual actuation and prolonged human presence during maintenance, exposing personnel to hazardous conditions and risking leaks due to incomplete securement.
Innovation Solution
An automated coupler assembly with a male and female coupler body, featuring a locking ring, locking dog, piston, seal assembly, and linear actuator, allowing for remote operation and secure sealing through a locking mechanism and seal compression.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual actuation with multiple fasteners is used, then the coupler can be securely assembled, but personnel exposure time to hazardous conditions increases and productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical fastening system with an automated mechanical actuation system. A single actuator mechanically drives a locking mechanism that automatically secures the coupler components, eliminating the need for manual installation of multiple fasteners while maintaining secure assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters from manual multi-step fastening to automated single-action locking. The locking mechanism transforms the coupling process from requiring multiple fastener installations to a single actuator stroke, fundamentally changing how the assembly is secured while improving speed.
2Ease of operation
If manual actuation is used, then personnel can control the coupling process, but the time interval for installation and maintenance increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical operation system with an automated mechanical actuation system. The actuator performs the coupling action automatically, eliminating the time-consuming manual processes while maintaining precise control over the locking mechanism through automated sequencing.
3Strength
If multiple fasteners are installed manually, then the coupler can be securely fastened, but the complexity of the assembly process increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple fastening functions into a single integrated locking mechanism. Instead of requiring separate installation of multiple fasteners, the actuator-driven locking mechanism combines securing, locking, and sealing functions into one automated action, reducing assembly complexity while maintaining fastening security.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the complex manual fastening system with a simplified automated locking system. The mechanical actuator directly engages the locking mechanism, eliminating the need for multiple fasteners and their associated installation steps, thereby reducing overall assembly complexity.
4Reliability
If personnel are present during coupling operations, then proper assembly can be monitored, but exposure to hazardous volatile media increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the coupler assembly system to perform self-monitoring through automated sensors and feedback mechanisms. The system automatically detects proper assembly, sealing integrity, and locking engagement, eliminating the need for personnel presence while maintaining reliable monitoring of the coupling process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual monitoring with automated detection systems. Sensors and feedback mechanisms automatically verify proper assembly and sealing, substituting human observation with electronic monitoring that eliminates personnel exposure to hazardous environments while maintaining assembly reliability.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Facilitates safe, efficient, and rapid coupling and decoupling of pressurized systems, reducing exposure to hazards and minimizing leaks by ensuring secure seals.
Implementation Method 1
The collar may be moved from an unlocked position to a locked position such that the seal rings are compressed longitudinally
Implementation Method 2
The locking dog may be positioned to abut the locking ring when the male coupler assembly is fully inserted into the female coupler assembly
Data Source
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AI summary
A coupler assembly includes a male coupler assembly and a female coupler assembly. The male coupler body includes an annular locking ring (113). The female coupler assembly includes locking dogs (201) that abut the locking ring when the male coupler assembly is fully inserted into the female coupler assembly and can be displaced radially outward as the male coupler assembly is inserted into the female coupler assembly. The female coupler assembly includes a piston (169) that is movable using one or more linear actuators (219) such that movement of the piston engages a seal assembly (193) to form a seal between the male coupler assembly and the female coupler assembly. The female coupler assembly also includes a collar (213) that is also moved by the linear actuators (219) that holds the locking dogs (201) into engagement with the locking ring, retaining the male coupler assembly to the female coupler assembly.