Quick Connect Coupling Locking Sleeve With Three-Position Safety Ring
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Quick connect couplings lack a simple, reliable, and space-efficient safety feature that prevents accidental uncoupling, especially under high pressure, which can lead to accidents and injuries, and existing safety features are not intuitive, adaptable, or cost-effective.
Innovation Solution
A locking mechanism for quick connect couplings featuring a safety ring and spring that allows axial displacement and rotation, providing three axial positions for locking and unlocking, with a track and locking element to guide movements and enhance security, while being easy to manufacture and operate.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a safety mechanism is added to prevent accidental uncoupling, then safety is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The safety ring is merged with the locking sleeve assembly, where the safety ring integrates multiple functions: it acts as a protective barrier, a locking element guide, and a user interface for the unlocking operation. This consolidation prevents accidental uncoupling while maintaining a compact structure that does not significantly increase overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The safety ring serves multiple functions simultaneously: it protects the locking mechanism, guides the locking elements, provides a user interface for unlocking, and prevents accidental uncoupling. This multi-functionality allows a single component to address safety concerns without requiring multiple separate mechanisms.
2Reliability
If a safety mechanism is added to prevent accidental uncoupling, then safety is improved, but the available space is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The safety ring is designed to nest within or around the existing locking sleeve assembly. The locking elements move within grooves that are part of the safety ring structure, and the safety ring itself is positioned within the coupling body's available space. This nesting approach allows the safety mechanism to occupy minimal additional volume while still providing effective protection.
3Reliability
If a complex safety feature is designed, then safety is improved, but ease of manufacture decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The safety mechanism is segmented into distinct functional zones within the safety ring: axial grooves for locking element movement, circumferential grooves for rotational movement, and positioned protrusions for engagement. These segments can be manufactured using standard machining operations, and the modular design allows for easier quality control and assembly.
4Reliability
If a safety mechanism is added, then safety is improved, but the operation becomes less intuitive
Solution Approach 1:
The safety ring incorporates visual indicators such as colored bands or color-coded positioning markers that change appearance based on the locking state. When the locking elements are properly engaged, the safety ring displays a specific color pattern or orientation that provides immediate visual confirmation to the user, making the operation intuitive and eliminating the need for complex indicators or procedures.
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 mechanism ensures secure locking and easy operation, providing enhanced safety without occupying excessive space, being adaptable to new and existing couplings, and is both safe and cost-effective, with intuitive operation and additional rotational spring force for added security.
Implementation Method 1
The spring acting between the locking sleeve (100) and the safety ring (200), the spring (300) comprising a spring force forcing the locking sleeve (100) and the safety ring (200) away from each other
Data Source
AI summary
A locking mechanism for a quick connect coupling includes a locking sleeve that is axially displaceable for locking the quick connect coupling in a locked position and for unlocking the quick connect coupling in an unlocked position. The locking mechanism comprises a safety ring, the safety ring is axially displaceable for engaging the locking sleeve and the safety ring being partly inside or partly outside the locking sleeve. The safety ring being positionable in three different axial positions, a first axial position for allowing the locking sleeve to be in the unlocked position, a second axial position for allowing the safety ring to rotate, and a third axial position for allowing the locking sleeve to be in the locked position. The locking mechanism comprises a spring, the spring acting between the locking sleeve and the safety ring. The spring comprising a spring force forcing the locking sleeve and the safety ring away from each other. Methods using the locking mechanism are also provided.