Bidirectional Quick Coupler Assembly for One-Handed Pipe Release
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional couplers for irrigation systems are time-consuming to install and difficult to remove, often requiring both hands and additional tools, and can lead to leakage or pipe damage during installation and removal.
Innovation Solution
A bidirectionally operable quick coupler assembly that allows for one-handed installation and removal using a single end rotation, featuring a female body, outer shell, and male body with a locking and releasing mechanism that can be activated by a quarter-turn in either direction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If barbed couplers are used to connect pipe sections, then the connection provides strong mechanical interlocking, but the installation requires both hands and sufficient force that may deform the pipe or require additional tools
Solution Approach 1:
The coupler is divided into a body portion and a separate locking mechanism with barbs that can be independently actuated. The locking mechanism segments the connection function, allowing the barbs to engage the pipe separately from the insertion action, enabling one-handed operation while maintaining strong mechanical interlocking
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism incorporates a movable component that can be dynamically actuated to deploy or retract the barbs. This dynamic feature allows the operator to engage the locking mechanism after insertion, providing strong connection strength without requiring excessive force during the initial insertion phase
2Ease of operation
If threaded couplers are used to allow easy removal, then the connection can be disassembled by rotating, but the operator needs a large working area and both hands to ensure threads are clean and properly aligned
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling function is segmented into insertion, locking, and removal operations. The locking mechanism with barbs provides a simple visual and tactile indicator for proper alignment, eliminating the need for complex thread alignment procedures and large working areas while maintaining easy removal capability
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism is designed to self-align and self-lock during insertion. The barbs automatically engage with the pipe when the coupler is pushed in, providing visual and tactile feedback that eliminates the need for operator judgment about proper alignment, simplifying the installation process
3Reliability
If barbed couplers are designed to prevent accidental disconnection, then the connection becomes difficult to remove, but the operator cannot easily remove the coupler without cutting the pipe or using heat
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism incorporates a movable component that can be dynamically actuated to deploy or retract the barbs. This dynamic feature allows the operator to easily remove the coupler by actuating the release mechanism, which retracts the barbs, while maintaining strong connection strength during normal operation
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism acts as an intermediary between the coupler body and the pipe. It provides the strong mechanical interlocking needed for reliable connection while also serving as the interface for easy removal through its actuable release mechanism, eliminating the need to cut or heat the pipe
4Reliability
If conventional couplers require both hands for installation, then the connection can be securely made, but the installation time increases and productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling operation is segmented into insertion and locking phases. The insertion phase only requires pushing the coupler into the pipe, while the locking phase actuates the barb mechanism. This segmentation allows one-handed operation throughout, increasing installation speed without compromising connection reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism is designed to self-align and self-lock during insertion, providing visual and tactile feedback that eliminates the need for operator judgment about proper alignment. This self-service feature allows rapid one-handed installation while ensuring reliable connection
Data Source
AI summary
A quick coupler assembly includes a female body having an internal channel between a first end and a second end. An outer shell is coupled to and partially encloses the female body and is movable between the first and second ends. A male body includes a protrusion that extends from a platform and defines an internal flow channel therethrough. The protrusion is configured to removably engage the internal channel of the female body to define a single open channel through the assembly. The assembly includes a means for locking the protrusion in the female body, and another means for releasing the protrusion from the female body. The releasing means may be activated by a one-quarter turn of the outer shell relative to the male body in either a clockwise or counterclockwise direction.