Coupling Locking Ring with Media Identification Indicia
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hose coupling systems lack reliable locking mechanisms and labeling systems to prevent exposure to incorrect media, which can be harmful or deadly.
Innovation Solution
A stem coupling with a retractable locking sleeve and a stem locking ring that includes color and indicia to alert users to the intended media type, allowing for secure attachment and detachment while preventing axial movement in the locked position and permitting it in the unlocked position, ensuring correct media usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a locking mechanism is added to prevent incorrect media exposure, then safety is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking ring is nested within the coupling structure, threadedly connected to the stem and positioned within the coupling head. The locking surface is integrated into the locking ring, and the resilient member is contained within the locking ring structure. This nesting approach provides a comprehensive locking mechanism while minimizing the overall device footprint and complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking ring acts as an intermediary component between the coupling head and the mating coupling. It provides the locking surface that engages with the mating coupling and is controlled by the resilient member, serving as a mediator that enables secure connection while preventing incorrect media exposure.
2Reliability
If a locking mechanism with multiple components is used, then locking reliability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The resilient member automatically engages the locking surface when the coupling head is inserted into the mating coupling, providing self-locking functionality. The locking ring threadedly connects to the stem and the locking surface automatically contacts the mating coupling without requiring additional manual operations, enabling the mechanism to serve itself.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex multi-step mechanical locking operations with a spring-driven automatic locking mechanism. The resilient member provides the locking force through elastic deformation, substituting for manual locking operations and reducing the number of steps required to secure the coupling.
3Loss of information
If labeling systems are added to indicate media type, then user awareness is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking ring incorporates color coding to indicate the type of media the coupling is designed for. Different colors correspond to different media types, providing immediate visual identification to users. This color-coding system is integrated into the locking ring structure, adding informational functionality without requiring separate labeling components.
Solution Approach 2:
The labeling function is merged with the locking ring structure. The indicia and color coding are applied directly to the locking ring, combining the structural locking component with the informational labeling function in a single integrated element, thereby avoiding additional separate labeling components.
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 provides a secure and user-friendly locking mechanism that prevents incorrect media exposure by clearly indicating the intended media type, ensuring safe operation and reducing the risk of harmful interactions.
Implementation Method 1
a resilient member configured to engage the locking surface
Implementation Method 2
The stem locking ring may have a first position preventing axial movement of the locking sleeve
Data Source
AI summary
Couplings for use with mating couplings with locking rings. A stem coupling may have a coupling head configured to attach with a head portion of the mating coupling, a stem mated to the coupling head where the stem has a threaded portion on an outer surface, and a retractable locking sleeve positioned on a portion of the coupling head. The retractable locking sleeve may have a locked position and an unlocked position for preventing and permitting the coupling head to attach to or detach from the mating coupling. The stem coupling includes a stem locking ring having a first position preventing axial movement of the locking sleeve and a second position permitting axial movement of the locking sleeve. The stem locking ring may also include at least one of a color and indicia to alert a user to a type of media for which the stem coupling is intended.