Spring-Biased Coupling Locking Ring for Secure Hose Connections
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing couplings for compressed air or water hoses are complex, costly, and unsuitable for applications where objects need to be connected without medium flow, as they are not secure against tensile forces and have difficulty with high-pressure or high-speed connections/disconnections.
Innovation Solution
A coupling design featuring a spring-biased locking unit with an insert, guide ring, and rotor that allows for easy connection and disconnection, using oblique teeth and radial teeth to move the locking ring between positions, ensuring secure fixing and releasing, and incorporating safety mechanisms to prevent accidental separation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a displaceable locking ring with locking means is used to receive and fix a projecting part, then the coupling can securely connect two objects, but the construction becomes complicated and manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The locking unit is divided into separate functional components: a locking ring with locking means, a spring-biased mechanism with biasing element, and an insert with teeth. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function while keeping the overall construction manageable and reducing manufacturing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The insert with teeth is positioned within the locking ring, and the spring-biased mechanism is nested within the housing. The locking means are arranged in the annular recess of the housing. This nested arrangement reduces the overall space required and simplifies the external construction while maintaining internal security mechanisms.
2Reliability
If packing and durable material are used to ensure watertight/airtight sealing, then the coupling can prevent medium leakage, but the construction becomes very complicated and manufacturing costs are high
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the sealing function from the main coupling body by using a simple annular recess in the housing to accommodate the locking means. The locking ring with its locking means directly engages with the projecting part, creating the seal without requiring complex packing materials or multi-layer sealing structures.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of making the entire coupling construction complex with extensive packing and durable materials throughout, the sealing is achieved locally at the interface between the locking means and the projecting part. The annular recess provides a localized sealing zone, simplifying the overall construction while maintaining reliability.
3Reliability
If a closing mechanism is provided to prevent medium flow when disconnected, then medium containment is improved, but it becomes difficult to move the locking ring for releasing under high pressure or high speed flow
Solution Approach 1:
The spring-biased mechanism provides a counteracting force to the high pressure or high speed medium flow. The biasing element (spring) stores mechanical energy that opposes the force of the medium, enabling the locking ring to be moved for releasing even when the coupling is under pressure or experiencing high-speed flow. This allows easy operation while maintaining reliable medium containment.
4Ease of operation
If the locking ring is spring-biased with a locking unit having insert with oblique teeth and rotor with radial teeth, then secure fixing and easy releasing are achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking unit incorporates dynamic elements including a spring-biased mechanism that can move between locked and unlocked states, and a rotor with radial teeth that can rotate to engage or disengage from the insert with oblique teeth. This dynamic design allows easy connection and disconnection through simple movements, while the internal complexity is managed through functional segmentation.
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 coupling provides a simple, secure, and rapid connection/disconnection mechanism, suitable for applications like transporting people or objects, ensuring durability and safety against tensile forces while maintaining airtight/watertight seals.
Implementation Method 1
the locking ring is connected with a spring-biased locking unit which is arranged for moving and locking the locking ring in at least two positions in the housing
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention concerns a coupling (1) including a first part (2) and a second part (3), where the first part (2) includes a housing (4) with a displaceable locking ring (8). The locking ring having a locking device (9) for receiving and fixing a projecting part (5). The housing is provided with an internal cylindrical surface with an annular recess (11) arranged for accommodating the locking device (9). The locking ring is connected with a spring-biased locking unit (17) for moving and locking the locking ring in at least two positions in the housing (4). The locking unit (17) includes an insert (18) connected to the locking ring (8) at one end and at an oppsoite end is provided with a number of oblique teeth (23).