Quick-Connect Coupling with Pressure-Sensitive Release
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional quick-action safety couplings require two manual operations to transition from a mated to a disconnected configuration, necessitating a wait between actions due to residual fluid pressure.
Innovation Solution
A single-operation quick-action safety coupling with a locking mechanism and transient retention mechanism, where the male element is automatically released when fluid pressure reaches a safety threshold, utilizing an operating sleeve and elastic return means to transition from retention to release configuration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a transient retention mechanism is used to retain the male element during disconnection, then safety is improved by preventing violent expulsion, but device complexity increases requiring two manual operations
Solution Approach 1:
The transient retention mechanism automatically transitions from retention to release configuration based on fluid pressure conditions. The mechanism self-regulates by detecting when purging is complete through pressure-sensitive activation, eliminating the need for manual intervention to switch between retention and release states.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanism uses fluid pressure as a controlling parameter to automatically transition between retention and release configurations. When pressure drops below a threshold indicating purging is complete, the mechanism automatically releases the male element without requiring additional manual operations.
2Reliability
If two manual operations are required to transition from mated to disconnected configuration, then retention control is improved, but loss of time increases due to waiting between actions
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanism maintains continuous automatic control throughout the disconnection process. After the initial manual operation to engage retention, the system continuously monitors fluid pressure and automatically completes the release action when purging is complete, eliminating idle waiting time between manual operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanism uses fluid pressure as feedback to automatically determine when to transition from retention to release configuration. The pressure signal provides real-time information about purging status, enabling the mechanism to automatically execute the release operation at the optimal moment without manual intervention or waiting.
3Productivity
If automatic release based on fluid pressure is implemented, then productivity is improved by single-action operation, but device complexity increases with elastic return means
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic return means automatically restores the transient retention mechanism to its initial retention configuration after release. This self-resetting capability enables rapid repeated operations without manual intervention, significantly improving productivity while adding only minimal structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanism uses the fluid pressure system itself to trigger the release operation. The pressure differential across the elastomeric element during purging automatically activates release, leveraging the existing hydraulic/pneumatic infrastructure without requiring separate actuation systems.
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 a single-action transition from mated to disconnected configuration, improving safety and efficiency by automatically releasing the male element when fluid pressure drops below a safety threshold, reducing the need for manual intervention and saving time.
Implementation Method 1
a) a first force, due to the pressure of the fluid flowing from the male element to the outside, and to a second force, opposing the first force, exerted by elastic return means
Implementation Method 2
a first force, due to the pressure of the fluid flowing from the male element to the outside
Data Source
AI summary
A quick connect and quick release coupling for connecting two pipes, including a male element and a female element that are axially fitted and interlocked one inside the other and wherein a locking mechanism retains the male element in a coupled position and a temporarily retaining mechanism immobilizes the male element, after its release by the locking mechanism, in a position for flushing a pipe connected to the male element. The locking mechanism is controlled by a sleeve that slides relative to a body of the female element. When the temporarily retaining mechanism retains the male element in flushing position, it is subjected to a first force (E1) derived from a pressure (P) of the fluid flowing (F) from the male element outwards and to a second force (E2), opposite to the first, exerted by elastic return means which, when the pressure (P) drops to a safety threshold, moves the temporarily retaining mechanism into a position for releasing the male element from the female element.