Coupling Device Cam Mechanism Quick Connect
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing coupling devices for automotive gas systems, particularly those with 6 mm pipes, face issues with secure connection under high pressure, accidental disconnection, and lack of protection from external agents, requiring threading and specialized tools for attachment and detachment.
Innovation Solution
A coupling device with a collar and flexible arms that uses a cam surface mechanism for easy connection and disconnection, incorporating a safety device with a cylindrical portion and safety fork to prevent accidental release and ensure proper coupling, suitable for 6 mm pipes and high-pressure applications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If threaded couplings are used to connect pipes in automotive gas systems, then the connection provides sufficient tightness and strength for high-pressure gas, but the attachment and detachment require dedicated tools and take longer time
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling device is divided into separate functional components: a body with hole, a collar with flexible arms, and a cam surface mechanism. This segmentation allows the connection to be made through simple collar movement rather than threading, enabling tool-free quick attachment while maintaining connection reliability through the cam surface locking mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The collar incorporates flexible arms that dynamically interact with the cam surface. During attachment, the flexible arms are forced inwards by the cam surface to block the pipe. This dynamic mechanism provides reliable locking without requiring threaded connections or specialized tools, resolving the contradiction between connection strength and attachment speed.
2Ease of operation
If quick-fit coupling devices with flexible arms and cam surface are used, then the attachment and detachment become faster and tool-free, but the connection does not provide sufficient guarantees against uncoupling under high pressure or from external agents
Solution Approach 1:
The safety device is designed to prevent accidental uncoupling before it can occur. The safety fork engages with the collar to block unintended movement, and the system includes indicators that show whether the connection is properly made. This preliminary protective action maintains connection security while preserving the quick-fit advantage.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling device incorporates indicators that provide visual feedback about the connection status. These indicators show whether the pipe is properly coupled and locked, giving operators confidence in the connection security without requiring complex mechanisms. This feedback system maintains reliability while keeping the device simple and easy to operate.
3Reliability
If traditional threaded couplings are used, then the connection provides protection from external agents and accidental impact, but the device complexity and need for specialized tools increase
Solution Approach 1:
The collar incorporates flexible arms that can deform and adapt to external forces while maintaining the connection. These flexible elements provide protection against accidental impact and external agents without requiring complex rigid structures or threaded mechanisms, reducing device complexity while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The safety device integrates multiple functions into a single component structure. The safety fork, indicators, and collar work together as an integrated system that provides protection, status indication, and connection security simultaneously. This merging reduces overall device complexity compared to separate threaded coupling components and safety devices.
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 device provides a secure, fast, and reliable connection that prevents unintended disconnections, ensures proper coupling, and protects against external agents, maintaining high-pressure tightness and safety without the need for threading or specialized tools.
Implementation Method 1
a cam surface (22) made in the device body (10), which comprises an inner conical portion (22') in an axial direction suitable to engage said flexible arms (20) so that these are forced inwards
Implementation Method 2
flexible arms (20) which extend from the annular flange (18) inside the hole (12)... suitable to co-operate with a cam surface (22) made in the device body (10), which comprises an inner conical portion (22') in an axial direction suitable to engage said flexible arms (20) so that these are forced inwards
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~6
Figure 3~4
AI summary
A coupling device comprises a device body (10) in which a hole (12) is made which extends from an end aperture (14) of such body to receive a pipe, a collar (16) positioned partially inside said hole with the possibility of axial translation and having an annular flange (18) outside said end aperture and flexible arms (20) which extend in said hole. The coupling device further comprises a safety device (40) comprising a cylindrical portion suitable to be fitted on the portion of pipe straddling the end aperture so as to position itself between the pipe and the collar and a safety fork (44) connected to said cylindrical portion and suitable to embrace the collar positioning itself between the device body and the annular flange of said collar to prevent axial shifting of the collar towards the device body.