Self-Actuating Coupling Piece With Integrated Sealing Body
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional irrigation system coupling pieces with water stop functions are expensive, have a large overall length, and require high operating force for line connection, making them inefficient and cumbersome.
Innovation Solution
A self-locking coupling piece design featuring a coupling nipple with an annular surface and a pin-shaped coupling element, where the sealing body is displaced by water pressure and a spring, allowing for a smaller seal diameter and reduced operational force, and optionally divided into sub-bodies for adjustable positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional water stop coupling piece is used, then the flow path can be blocked when coupling is released, but the device becomes expensive, large in overall length, and requires high operating force
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing body is extracted from the complex water socket structure and integrated directly into the coupling piece base body. This simplification maintains the water stop function while eliminating the need for separate sliding sleeves, multiple sealing elements, and complex guiding mechanisms, directly reducing device complexity and manufacturing cost
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing body automatically performs the water stop function through its own displacement by water pressure when the coupling is released. The spring provides self-actuating force to return the sealing body to the blocking position without requiring external operation, eliminating the need for complex control mechanisms and reducing operating force
2Reliability
If a conventional water stop coupling piece is used, then the flow path can be blocked when coupling is released, but the overall length becomes large
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing body is nested within the base body of the coupling piece, with the sealing element positioned inside the outlet channel. This nested arrangement allows the water stop function to be achieved within the existing coupling piece footprint without adding external extensions, sliding sleeves, or separate components, thereby minimizing the overall length while maintaining reliability
3Reliability
If a conventional water stop coupling piece is used, then the flow path can be blocked when coupling is released, but high operating force is required for line connection
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing body automatically performs the water stop function through its own displacement by water pressure when the coupling is released. The spring provides self-actuating force to return the sealing body to the blocking position without requiring external operation, eliminating the need for complex control mechanisms and reducing operating force
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing body diameter is optimized to be significantly smaller than the outlet channel diameter (at most 20%, preferably at most 15%, or at most 10% of the outlet channel diameter). This parameter change reduces the compressive force from pressurized water acting on the seal, thereby reducing the operating force required to move the sealing body while maintaining effective sealing
4Force
If a small seal diameter is used, then the force for moving the sealing body is reduced, but the sealing effectiveness must be maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing body diameter is optimized to be significantly smaller than the outlet channel diameter (at most 20%, preferably at most 15%, or at most 10% of the outlet channel diameter). This parameter change reduces the compressive force from pressurized water acting on the seal, thereby reducing the operating force required to move the sealing body while maintaining effective sealing
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing body is designed with a rounded, pin-shaped geometry that allows smooth displacement along the longitudinal axis. This curved, streamlined shape reduces friction during movement and ensures reliable sealing contact with the base body wall, maintaining sealing effectiveness while facilitating easy movement with reduced force
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 design provides a simple, inexpensive, and efficient way to unblock the flow path with reduced operational force, maintaining a self-locking function while minimizing flow resistance and allowing for adjustable positioning of the coupling nipple.
Implementation Method 1
The sealing body is advantageously pressed in the direction of the blocking position by a spring
Implementation Method 2
the sealing body with the coupling elements is designed as a one-piece plastic injection molded body... the force for moving the sealing body from its blocking position against the compressive force of the pressurized water is low
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4~6
AI summary
The invention relates to a connector piece for a click-on connector system used in watering, said connector piece comprising a connector nipple. In an embodiment, a sealing element is arranged in the connector piece and automatically blocks the flow path through the connector piece if no connector sleeve is clicked on. When a connector sleeve is clicked onto the connector nipple, a connector element pointing in the direction of the connector sleeve and set-off from the same during click-on lifts the sealing element in the interior of the connector piece off the sealing surface and releases the flow path. In another embodiment, the flow resistance can be adjusted by means of the connector piece.