Coupling Latch Structure for Pressure-Safe Intermediate Unlocking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid transport circuit coupling devices are impractical for disconnection under pressure, requiring manual maintenance of the unlocking position to prevent violent ejection of the endpiece during pressure equilibrium with ambient pressure.
Innovation Solution
A coupling device with a latch that moves axially between locking and unlocking positions, allowing the endpiece to disconnect under pressure without manual intervention, utilizing a spring to maintain the unlocking position and retaining portions for automatic latch engagement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the latch is brought into the unlocking position to allow pressure equilibrium, then the endpiece can be purged, but the operator must manually maintain the unlocking position to prevent violent ejection
Solution Approach 1:
The latch mechanism is designed to automatically maintain itself in the unlocking position through the interaction of the retaining portion and the wall of the housing. The retaining portion engages with the wall to hold the latch in the unlocking position without requiring manual intervention, allowing the system to serve itself during the pressure equilibrium process.
Solution Approach 2:
The latch structure is divided into functional segments: the retaining portion that engages with the housing wall, the spring mechanism that provides urging force, and the transverse bore with steps that control endpiece positioning. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently while contributing to the overall automatic operation.
2Reliability
If the endpiece is retained in the intermediate position during pressure equilibrium, then safe purging is enabled, but the disconnection process becomes more time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The latch is pre-configured with the retaining portion that automatically engages with the housing wall when moved to the unlocking position. This preliminary setup ensures that the endpiece is automatically retained in the intermediate position as soon as the latch is actuated, enabling safe purging without requiring additional manual steps or extending the disconnection time.
3Extent of automation
If the latch structure includes retaining portions for automatic engagement, then manual intervention is eliminated, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The retaining portion is integrated directly into the latch structure as a single monolithic component rather than being a separate part. This merging of functions into one piece simplifies manufacturing by reducing the number of parts that need to be produced and assembled, while still achieving automatic engagement with the housing wall for automated operation.
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 safe and practical disconnection of fluid transport circuit elements by allowing the endpiece to move back under pressure, ensuring the latch remains in the unlocking position without operator intervention, facilitating efficient fluid purging and reducing the risk of violent ejection.
Implementation Method 1
a latch (11) movable in a housing (10) transversely relative to the channel (3) between a locking position and an unlocking position, the latch (11) being urged by a spring (12) towards the locking position
Implementation Method 2
Under pressure from the fluid and the return spring of the valve member when in the closed position, the endpiece moves back until it comes into abutment against the second step
Data Source
AI summary
A coupling device includes a tubular body defining a channel having along an axis a first segment for receiving an endpiece and a second segment including an axially movable valve member which is spring-thrustable from the endpiece from a closed position, towards a disengaged position. The first segment includes a latch movably mounted to the housing and transversely movable via spring relative to the channel-between unlocked and locked positions. The latch includes a transverse bore enabling the endpiece to pass through the latch to push against the valve member, and first and second steps projecting into the bore in axially offset positions such that, when the latch is locked, the first step retains the endpiece in a pushed-in position holding the valve member disengaged and when the latch is unlocked, the second step retains the endpiece in an intermediate position leaving the valve member closed to enable endpiece purging.