Spring-Loaded Air Motor Coupling for Fast Disconnect and Noise Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing air motor couplings are inefficient for rapid disconnection and connection to compressed air sources, often requiring time-consuming processes, and they fail to provide noise reduction and flexible positioning.
Innovation Solution
A coupling design featuring a piston adjustable by a spring element, with radially extending openings and exhaust air channels, allowing for quick connection and disconnection, noise reduction through exhaust air routing, and variable positioning by using seals to control compressed air flow and incorporating a hose system for noise mitigation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a conventional coupling design is used for connecting compressed air sources to air motors, then the connection is secure and reliable, but the disconnection and connection process becomes time-consuming and inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling system performs self-actuation through spring-loaded pistons that automatically open or close air passages when the coupling is connected or disconnected. The spring elements store energy and automatically actuate the sealing elements without requiring manual intervention, enabling rapid connection and disconnection while maintaining secure sealing.
2Ease of operation
If the air motor housing is removed for cleaning or disconnection, then hygiene requirements are met, but the process becomes time-consuming and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling is designed as a separable component that can be disconnected from the air motor without removing the motor housing. The quick-connect mechanism allows the coupling to be detached as a separate unit, enabling cleaning and maintenance operations without disassembling the entire motor assembly, thus saving time while maintaining hygiene standards.
3Reliability
If compressed air is supplied directly to the air motor, then the motor operates reliably, but the sound level becomes quite high
Solution Approach 1:
A silencer is introduced as an intermediary component in the exhaust air path. The silencer attenuates the noise from the exhaust air while allowing the compressed air supply to remain direct for reliable motor operation. This mediator reduces the harmful sound effect without compromising the reliability of the air motor operation.
4Device complexity
If a simple valve mechanism is used for compressed air control, then the device complexity is low, but the alignment and positioning flexibility is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling incorporates adjustable elements that allow dynamic positioning and alignment adjustments. The coupling can be aligned to the air motor to the desired extent through adjustable features, providing variability in positioning while maintaining a relatively simple overall device structure. This dynamic adjustability enables adaptation to different installation scenarios without significantly increasing complexity.
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
Enables rapid and flexible connection/disconnection of compressed air, reduces noise levels by directing exhaust air away from the air motor, and meets hygienic requirements with a stainless steel construction.
Implementation Method 1
a piston (24) axially adjustable in the housing channel (22) and force-loaded by a spring element (26)
Implementation Method 2
the housing channel (22) is shut off with respect to the piston channel (30) by means of a seal (38) extending between the piston (24) and the housing channel (22)
Data Source
AI summary
A coupling for connecting a compressed air source to an air motor, having a housing with a housing channel leading to a compressed air connection and a piston axially adjustable in the housing channel- and force-loaded by a spring element having a piston channel which, when the coupling is connected to the air motor, merges into a connecting channel present in a pin element of the air motor. The piston is adjustable in the direction of the compressed air connection by the pin element against the force applied by the spring element. The spring element runs between the compressed air connection and the compressed air connection side area of the piston. Radial openings extend from the compressed air connection side area of the piston channel. An exhaust air channel connected to the air motor extends in the wall of the housing.