Breakaway Coupling Assembly With Asymmetric Ribs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current coupling assemblies, such as those using Luer Lock connections, face difficulties in forming a seamless fluid flow channel due to orientation-dependent connections, potential misconnections, and lack of easy disconnection under load.
Innovation Solution
A breakaway coupling assembly with a male coupling featuring ribs that flex and snap into a circumferential retention groove of a female coupling, allowing for secure fluid seal formation and easy decoupling by pinching or pulling, with geometry defining the required force for coupling and decoupling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If Luer Lock connections are used, then coupling strength is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to orientation requirements and difficulty in connection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs asymmetric rib geometries with different engagement surfaces (tapered, parallel, or flared) that interact with corresponding asymmetric features in the female coupling. This asymmetric design provides mechanical interlocking for strong coupling while the directional asymmetry naturally guides proper orientation during insertion, eliminating the need for users to consciously align keyed features.
2Reliability
If keyed connections are used, then coupling reliability is improved by preventing misconnection, but ease of operation deteriorates due to specific orientation requirements
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of requiring the user to actively align keyed features for proper orientation, the patent inverts the approach by designing the rib engagement surfaces to passively self-align during insertion. The asymmetric geometries of the ribs and corresponding grooves create a natural insertion direction where proper alignment occurs automatically as the male coupling is pushed into the female coupling, reversing the burden from user action to design-driven automatic alignment.
3Strength
If permanent connections are used, then coupling strength is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to inability to disconnect under load
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic coupling system where the rib engagement surfaces can transition between a locked engaged state and a disengaged state. The asymmetric geometries provide strong mechanical interlocking during normal operation, but allow for controlled disengagement when force is applied to overcome the engagement surfaces. This dynamic characteristic enables the coupling to maintain strength during use while permitting intentional disconnection even under load conditions.
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
Enables seamless fluid flow without specific orientation requirements, prevents misconnections, and allows for easy disconnection under load, ensuring reliable and efficient fluid transfer.
Implementation Method 1
The male coupling includes one or more ribs that flex portions of the female coupling as the male coupling is inserted into the female coupling. Once the male coupling is positioned into the female coupling a predefined distance, the ribs snap into a circumferential retention groove of the female coupling to secure the male coupling to the female coupling and form a fluid seal.
Data Source
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AI summary
A breakaway coupling assembly includes a male coupling and a female coupling. The male coupling includes ribs that flex portions of the female coupling as an insert of the male coupling is positioned within the female coupling. Once the insert of male coupling is positioned into the female coupling a predefined distance, the ribs snap into a circumferential retention groove of the female coupling to secure the male coupling to the female coupling and form a fluid seal. The male coupling is decoupled from the female coupling by pinching the female coupling to release the ribs from the retention groove.