Arcuate Sector Locking for Flat-Face Coupling Wear
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Solution Overview
Problem
Flat-face quick couplings with locking sphere crowns fail under demanding conditions like pressure pulses and flow rate peaks, leading to brinelling and mechanical fatigue, reducing reliability and durability.
Innovation Solution
A flat-face, female quick coupling design featuring an external slider, ring nut, and arcuate sectors that distribute force across an extended contact surface, reducing stress on internal surfaces and preventing wear and fatigue.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If locking spheres are used to connect male and female coupling parts, then the coupling can be assembled and disassembled quickly, but the contact surfaces suffer from brinelling and mechanical fatigue due to concentrated forces
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is segmented from spherical points into multiple arcuate sectors distributed around the coupling circumference. Each sector engages with the male coupling at different angular positions, distributing the locking force across multiple contact points rather than concentrating it at single sphere-groove interfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism transitions from a one-dimensional spherical contact to a two-dimensional arcuate sector engagement. The arcuate sectors extend radially outward from the coupling axis, creating an extended contact surface area that distributes forces across both radial and axial dimensions, eliminating the point-contact concentration problem.
2Reliability
If arcuate sectors are used instead of locking spheres, then wear and brinelling are reduced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The arcuate sectors serve multiple functions simultaneously: they provide locking engagement with the male coupling, distribute mechanical forces across extended surfaces, and maintain compatibility with existing ISO 16028 quick coupling standards. This multi-functionality achieves improved reliability without requiring a complete system redesign.
Solution Approach 2:
The arcuate sectors utilize curved geometries that conform to the rotational symmetry of the coupling system. The arcuate shape naturally distributes forces along the curved contact surface, and the geometry can be manufactured using standard rotational machining processes, minimizing complexity increases.
3Productivity
If the coupling is designed for demanding applications with pressure pulses and flow rate peaks, then the fluid transfer capability is enhanced, but the locking spheres experience increased mechanical fatigue
Solution Approach 1:
The arcuate sectors are pre-positioned to engage with the male coupling at optimal angular positions before pressure pulses or flow rate peaks occur. This preliminary engagement configuration ensures that the extended contact surfaces are already in place to distribute the upcoming dynamic loads, preventing mechanical fatigue before it can occur.
Solution Approach 2:
The extended contact surface area of the arcuate sectors acts as a cushioning mechanism that absorbs and distributes the impact of pressure pulses and flow rate peaks. The larger contact area reduces peak stress concentrations, providing a cushioning effect that protects the coupling components from fatigue damage during demanding fluid transfer operations.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a flat-face, female coupling (1) for quick couplings of the type comprising a plurality of substantially cylindrical, coaxial bodies and comprising locking means (4,4a,2,2a) suitable for preventing the female coupling from accidentally disconnecting from a male coupling. The female coupling according to the present invention is characterized in that said locking means comprise a plurality of arcuate sectors (4).