Quick-Disconnect Coupling Emergency Release Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing quick-disconnect coupling devices face issues with inadvertent disconnection due to external forces, leading to hazardous conditions, and lack a reliable emergency release feature that maintains consistency over time and usage cycles.
Innovation Solution
A two-stage release mechanism is introduced, featuring a standard locking system for normal disconnection and a higher force emergency release, allowing disconnection at a predetermined axial pull-force, while preserving the components' integrity and functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a secure latching system is used to prevent inadvertent disconnection, then connection reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The latching system is divided into two independent stages: a first latching system for normal secure connection and a second latching system for emergency release. Each system operates independently with its own latch arms and release mechanisms, allowing the secure connection function to be maintained while adding emergency release capability without requiring complete system redesign.
Solution Approach 2:
The latch arms are designed to be movable between engaged and disengaged positions, with the first latch arms held by a first resilient member and the second latch arms held by a second resilient member. This dynamic design allows the system to transition between locked and released states while maintaining reliability through the resilient members that ensure consistent engagement forces.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a higher force emergency release feature is added, then safety is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The release system is segmented into two distinct latching systems with different force requirements. The first latching system maintains secure connection during normal operation, while the second latching system provides emergency release capability at higher forces. This segmentation allows safety to be improved without requiring a complete redesign of the entire coupling system.
Solution Approach 2:
Resilient members are introduced as intermediary elements between the latch arms and the coupling system. These resilient members absorb and manage the forces applied during both normal operation and emergency release, allowing the second latching system to engage at higher forces while protecting the overall system from damage through controlled force distribution.
3Ease of operation
If the normal disconnection force is kept low, then ease of operation is improved, but connection reliability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling system is divided into two independent latching systems: the first latching system provides secure connection with reliable engagement, while the second latching system enables easy emergency release. This segmentation allows the normal disconnection force to be kept low for ease of operation while the first latching system maintains connection reliability through its own resilient member and latch arm mechanism.
4Reliability
If emergency release is made repeatable over many cycles, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The latch arms are designed as movable components that can repeatedly transition between engaged and disengaged positions. The resilient members provide consistent restoring forces that ensure repeatable engagement and release cycles. This dynamic design with resilient members allows the emergency release function to be repeated many times while maintaining reliability without requiring complex control systems.
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 solution ensures secure and repeatable emergency disconnection with minimal wear, maintaining low normal disconnection forces and preventing damage to the coupling system, thus enhancing safety and reliability in various applications.
Implementation Method 1
a resilient member, such as a spring
Implementation Method 2
a resilient member, such as a spring, disposed between the latch arm sleeve and the medial coupler
Data Source
AI summary
A quick-disconnect coupling device for use in plug and receptacle style electrical connectors, fiberoptic connectors, pneumatic and hydraulic couplings or any other application where a secure quick-disconnect connection is desired. Under normal operation, the coupling device incorporates a sliding outer sleeve to activate and release latching features within the retention system, which engages with an appropriate mating receptacle. An emergency release feature is included to allow the coupling to disconnect at a selectable, predetermined axial pull-force on the rear of the coupler. The secondary release feature prevents damage to the components and, in many applications, increases personal safety, by providing an emergency release feature, while still maintaining standard coupling and decoupling functionality.