Female Quick Coupling Rocker Arm Locking Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing quick connectors for hydraulic circuits face issues with accidental displacement of the female valve assembly, leading to fluid flow interruptions, particularly due to increased complexity and cost of hydraulic solutions and mechanical locking mechanisms that enlarge the female coupling and increase manufacturing costs.
Innovation Solution
A mechanical locking mechanism with a low number of components, utilizing a rocker arm that oscillates between engaging and releasing positions, is integrated into the female coupling to prevent accidental displacement of the valve assembly, ensuring reliable fluid flow without increasing the coupling's dimensions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If hydraulic type solutions are used to lock the female valve assembly, then reliability is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex hydraulic locking mechanisms with a simple mechanical spring-loaded ball and groove system. The spring-loaded ball automatically engages with grooves on the valve assembly to maintain locking force, eliminating the need for secondary hydraulic circuits while providing reliable mechanical locking through elastic force.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism is designed to be self-regulating through the spring-loaded ball that automatically adjusts its engagement force. The spring provides continuous elastic force to maintain the ball in engagement with the grooves, and the system self-adjusts to pressure changes without external control, providing automatic reliability maintenance.
2Reliability
If mechanical locking mechanisms are added to prevent accidental displacement, then reliability is improved, but the dimensions and manufacturing cost of the female coupling increase
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism components (spring-loaded ball, grooves, spring) are integrated within the existing female coupling structure. The ball and groove features are formed as part of the coupling body and valve assembly, with the spring housed in existing cavities, allowing the locking function to be nested within the original component boundaries without increasing overall dimensions.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism is merged with the basic coupling structure by integrating the ball, groove, and spring features directly into the female coupling body and valve assembly. This combination eliminates separate locking components and reduces the overall volume required compared to add-on locking systems.
3Reliability
If mechanical locking mechanisms with many components are used, then reliability is improved, but manufacturing cost and assembly complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The locking function is segmented into three essential elements (ball, groove, spring) that can be manufactured as simple, standardized features. The ball and groove can be formed through standard machining or molding operations, and the spring is a conventional elastic component, allowing each element to be manufactured independently using simple, cost-effective processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring-loaded ball mechanism serves multiple functions: it provides locking force through elastic expansion, maintains continuous contact with the groove for position stability, and automatically disengages when pressure differential exceeds spring force. This multi-functionality with minimal components reduces manufacturing complexity compared to specialized locking mechanisms.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a female coupling and the respective female-male connector, the female coupling being adapted to be connected to and disconnected from a corresponding male coupling by means of pushing and pulling actions, respectively, said female coupling and male couplings comprising a female valve assembly and a male valve assembly respectively, each of said female and male valve assemblies being adapted to be alternatively translated forwards and backwards between a first closing position and a second opening position, wherein the flow of a fluid is possible between the female coupling and male coupling with said female and male valve assemblies in the respective opening positions, wherein said female coupling comprises mechanical locking means adapted to prevent the accidental switching of said female valve assembly from its said second opening position to its first closing position even in case of fluid flow from the male connector to the female connector.