Ball Joint Coupling Hinge Layout for Fouling-Resistant Uncoupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ball joint couplings in dredging lines face difficulties in opening when fouling and dirt accumulate, as the locking segments' pivoting movement is obstructed due to reduced space, making it hard to uncouple pipe sections.
Innovation Solution
A hinge is integrated between the locking segment's axial end and the base part, allowing the locking segment to pivot without reducing space, and a blocking ring with protrusions and sliding surfaces facilitates easy movement and locking, while actuators and springs assist in axial displacement and locking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the locking segments pivot around a protrusion in the centre, then the coupling can be opened, but the space between the locking segment and base part becomes smaller when opened, causing fouling and dirt to obstruct the pivoting movement
Solution Approach 1:
The pivot axis is moved from a central protrusion to the outer periphery of the base part, changing the spatial dimension of the rotation center. This dimensional shift ensures that the locking segment's movement path does not compress the space between the segment and base part, preventing fouling accumulation and maintaining reliable pivoting movement even in dirty conditions.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the locking segments pivot to the second position for uncoupling, then the coupling can be opened, but fouling and dirt in the reduced space obstruct the movement
Solution Approach 1:
By relocating the pivot axis to the outer periphery, the locking segment rotates in a different spatial dimension that maintains constant clearance between the segment and base part throughout the movement range. This ensures smooth operation during uncoupling even when fouling is present in the coupling environment.
3Reliability
If the hinge is arranged on the first axial end of the locking segment, then fouling and dirt are not pressed into cavities, but the structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge is extracted from the central cavity region and positioned on the outer periphery of the base part. This extraction removes the cavity where fouling could be trapped and compressed, eliminating the blocking risk while maintaining a relatively simple structural implementation through proper hinge placement.
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 design ensures that fouling and dirt are not pressed into cavities, simplifying the uncoupling process, reducing the risk of blockage, and allowing for robust and reliable operation even in dirty conditions.
Implementation Method 1
a hinge is arranged between a first axial end of each locking segment and the base part, wherein the tangential pivot axis is formed by the hinge
Implementation Method 2
a blocking ring which extends around the second coupling part and is axially displaceable between a blocking position, in which the blocking ring encloses the locking segments in the first position
Implementation Method 3
a first coupling part with a central passage and an at least partially ball-shaped outer surface; a second coupling part with an axially extending, central passage and an at least partially socket-shaped inner surface which corresponds with the at least partially ball-shaped outer surface in order to form a ball joint
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A
Figure 2B
AI summary
The invention relates to a ball joint coupling for pivotally coupling two pipe parts, which ball joint coupling comprises: - a first coupling part with a central passage and an at least partially ball-shaped outer surface; - a second coupling part with an axially extending, central passage and an at least partially socket-shaped inner surface which corresponds with the at least partially ball-shaped outer surface in order to form a ball joint; wherein the second coupling part comprises a base part arranged around the central passage, and locking segments arranged around the central passage and pivotally on the base part, which locking segments each have a socket-shaped surface part, wherein the socket-shaped surface parts form at least a part of the at least partially socket-shaped inner surface of the second coupling part, wherein the locking segments are each pivotable around a tangential pivot axis between a first position, wherein the socket-shaped surface parts of the locking segments lie against the ball-shaped outer surface of the first coupling part, and a second position wherein the locking segments release the first coupling part for uncoupling of the second coupling part; and - a blocking ring which extends around the second coupling part and is axially displaceable between a blocking position, in which the blocking ring encloses the locking segments in the first position and blocks the pivoting movement of the locking segments, and a release position for releasing the locking segments, wherein a hinge is arranged between a first axial end of each locking segment and the base part, wherein the tangential pivot axis is formed by the hinge.