Ball Coupler Grip-Return Mechanism for Robust Quick Connect
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ball couplers for fluid under pressure circuits lack robustness and cost-effectiveness in their grip-return mechanisms, which are crucial for reliable and efficient quick coupling and disconnection operations.
Innovation Solution
A ball coupler design featuring a tubular sleeve with slots for ball retention, a grip that turns between angular positions with housing means for each ball, and resilient return means comprising a compression spring and a ring that converts rotational movement into axial movement, ensuring robustness and reduced manufacturing costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional resilient return means are used in ball couplers, then the coupling mechanism can return to locked position, but the mechanism lacks robustness and has high manufacturing cost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by enabling the grip to rotate between different angular positions (0° for locked, 45° for unlocked) and incorporating resilient means that provide dynamic return force. The grip mechanism transitions from static to dynamic operation, allowing automatic return to locked position through elastic deformation and recovery of the resilient material, thereby improving reliability without complex mechanical components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes by varying the angular position of the grip (0° to 45° rotation) and changing the physical state of the resilient means (deformation and recovery). The resilient means undergoes elastic deformation when grip is rotated to unlock position, storing energy, then releases this energy to return grip to locked position. This parameter-based approach simplifies the return mechanism while maintaining robustness.
2Ease of operation
If the grip is designed to turn between angular positions for locking and unlocking, then coupling control is achieved, but the mechanism becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the grip mechanism into distinct functional elements: the grip handle itself, the resilient means (spring), and the ball engagement features. The grip is segmented into positions (locked at 0°, unlocked at 45°), and the resilient means is segmented into deformation and recovery phases. This segmentation simplifies each component's function while maintaining overall control capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements self-service through the resilient means that automatically returns the grip to the locked position after unlocking. The elastic potential energy stored during rotation automatically drives the return motion without requiring additional actuators, motors, or complex control systems. The mechanism serves itself by converting mechanical energy to elastic energy and back, reducing overall system 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
The improved grip-return mechanism enhances the coupler's robustness and reduces manufacturing costs while maintaining reliable operation, with the compression spring providing consistent return force and low friction, allowing for efficient coupling and disconnection processes.
Implementation Method 1
resilient return means for urging the grip into its first position; which return means comprise, in the grip, a ring that is constrained to turn with the grip and that is movable axially relative thereto... the other of which forms the bearing face for a compression spring tending to urge said ring against said shoulder
Implementation Method 2
one of which faces towards a shoulder of the sleeve for slidably bearing thereagainst to co-operate in reversibly transforming turning movement of the grip into axial movement of the ring relative to said grip
Implementation Method 3
slidably bearing thereagainst to co-operate in reversibly transforming turning movement of the grip into axial movement of the ring relative to said grip
Data Source
AI summary
A ball coupler having a longitudinal axis and including a male tubular endpiece; a female tubular endpiece; and a tubular sleeve extending the female endpiece and presenting slots for forming a cage for retaining balls for blocking the male endpiece in the female endpiece. A grip is coaxial about the sleeve and mounted to turn about the longitudinal axis of the coupler between at least two angular positions relative to the sleeve, the grip having a housing for each ball. A resilient return device urges the grip into its first position, including in the grip, a ring that is constrained to turn with the grip and that is movable axially relative thereto.