Asymmetric Conical Teeth for Rapid Coupling Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing rapid engagement/release couplings in high pressure hydraulic or pneumatic systems face issues with wear and manufacturing tolerances, leading to failure in resisting outward forces, especially under exceptionally high pressures or dynamic loads.
Innovation Solution
The coupling features conical surfaces on the retaining ring's teeth with different inclination angles, where the outer surfaces have a greater angle than the inner surfaces, causing the force pushing the male connector outwards to push the retaining ring inwards, enhancing the connection's safety and resistance to wear and tolerances.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the teeth of the retaining ring are subjected to high compressive forces to counteract hydraulic forces, then the coupling can resist high pressure, but the teeth and stop surfaces are subject to wear and manufacturing tolerances that impair reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the force direction by designing the outer conical surfaces with a greater inclination angle than the inner conical surfaces. This geometric inversion causes the outward hydraulic force on the male connector to be transformed into an inward force on the retaining ring, reversing the typical force direction and eliminating the need for the teeth to resist outward hydraulic forces directly.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the geometric parameters of the conical surfaces by specifying different inclination angles for the outer and inner conical surfaces. This parameter change creates a self-energizing effect where the force transformation is achieved through the angular difference, converting a potential weakness (wear-prone surfaces) into a strength (self-locking mechanism).
2Device complexity
If conventional flat or symmetric conical surfaces are used on the teeth, then the structure is simpler, but the coupling fails under exceptionally high pressures or dynamic loads
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the geometric parameters by introducing asymmetric conical surfaces with different inclination angles. This parameter change creates a mechanical advantage that allows the coupling to withstand exceptionally high pressures and dynamic loads while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses conical (curved) surfaces instead of flat surfaces on the teeth. This curvature provides better force distribution and contact area, enhancing the strength and durability of the coupling under high pressure conditions while maintaining manufacturability.
3Reliability
If additional elastic elements are added to enhance the connection safety, then the coupling becomes more reliable, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-service mechanism where the conical surfaces with different inclination angles automatically generate the necessary locking force. The geometry itself provides the safety mechanism, eliminating the need for additional elastic elements or complex locking mechanisms. The system uses its own operating forces to maintain security.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and eliminates unnecessary components (additional elastic elements) by replacing them with a geometric solution. The asymmetric conical surfaces perform the function previously requiring separate elastic components, simplifying the overall device while maintaining or enhancing 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
This design makes the coupling safer and more resistant to wear and manufacturing errors, ensuring secure engagement even at high pressures and dynamic loads without additional elastic elements, and prevents manual disengagement under pressure.
Implementation Method 1
the force that tends to push the male connector outwards produces a force that tends to push the retaining ring inwards
Data Source
AI summary
A rapid engagement/release coupling having a female connector, a male connector, and a retaining ring. The female connector having an insertion end, a cylindrical sealing portion, and an annular groove having a first stop surface. The male connector carrying a sealing ring configured to cooperate with the cylindrical sealing portion and having a recessed annular portion having a second stop surface. The retaining ring having a collar and a tubular portion equipped with a plurality of longitudinal splits which divide the tubular portion into a plurality of sectors. The sectors having teeth configured to engage the annular groove, wherein the teeth have outer conical surfaces and inner conical surfaces. The inner and outer conical surfaces of the teeth having different inclination angles with respect to a longitudinal axis. The inclination angle of the outer conical surfaces is greater than the inclination angle of the inner conical surfaces.