Cartridge Quick Coupling Device with Retractable Ring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing quick coupling devices for fluid transport circuits are limited in reducing size and weight while maintaining mechanical characteristics, as reducing material thickness with synthetic materials is not feasible without compromising performance, and using stronger materials like steel is economically unviable due to increased weight.
Innovation Solution
A cartridge-type quick coupling device with a retractable ring that carries the retaining washer and annular sealing member, eliminating the need for an insert, and featuring an externally-anchoring washer and axial slots on the tubular pusher to reduce size and production costs, while maintaining mechanical strength.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Weight of stationary object
If the thickness of materials constituting the cartridge elements is reduced, then the overall size and weight of the device is reduced, but the mechanical characteristics of the device are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs composite construction by integrating multiple functional elements (retaining washer, sealing gasket, protection ring) into a single molded cartridge body made from synthetic material. This composite approach allows the body to perform multiple functions simultaneously while maintaining structural integrity at reduced thickness, resolving the contradiction between weight reduction and mechanical strength.
2Strength
If stronger materials such as steel are used, then the mechanical strength of the device is improved, but the weight increases and shaping operations become more expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter from traditional steel to synthetic injection-moldable material. This parameter change enables the device to be manufactured with complex geometries (including integrated features like the protection ring, retaining washer, and sealing gasket) through injection molding, achieving both weight reduction and maintained mechanical strength appropriate for pneumatic applications.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges multiple discrete components (body, protection ring, retaining washer, sealing gasket) into a single integrated cartridge body that can be manufactured in one injection molding operation. This consolidation eliminates the need for separate steel components, reducing weight while maintaining structural integrity through the synthetic material's inherent properties and integrated design.
3Ease of manufacture
If an insert is used to secure the protection ring and retain the washing, then the assembly process is simplified, but the radial size of the device increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the insert and protection ring into a single integrated structure. The protection ring is formed as an integral part of the cartridge body with a breakable wall connection, eliminating the need for a separate insert component. This integration simplifies the assembly process while reducing the radial size by removing the additional insert layer.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the insert function from the assembly by integrating it directly into the protection ring structure. The breakable wall of the protection ring provides the necessary retention function previously performed by a separate insert, eliminating the need for additional radial space while maintaining ease of assembly.
Data Source
AI summary
A quick coupling device of the cartridge type, the device comprising a tubular body defining a channel, a retaining washer for retaining the tube in the device, a tubular disconnection pusher that is slidably mounted in the channel, and an anchor for anchoring the coupling device in the socket. The body has one end provided with a retractable ring that projects axially from the end in order to carry internally a sealing member of the coupling device and in order to be suitable for being returned against the body in order to release the sealing member in the socket. The retaining washer is arranged in the retractable ring between the body and the sealing member.