Coupling Device Spring Arm Ball Socket Joint
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing coupling devices for pipes face difficulties in separation due to reliance on the flexibility of locking elements, which can lead to operational challenges, especially at low temperatures where the locking elements may break or become hard, and unintended release due to axial movement during unlocking.
Innovation Solution
A coupling device with a housing and a locking element featuring a spring arm with a holding portion and a joint portion, such as a ball and socket joint, that extends from the operating element to the housing wall, allowing for controlled movement and operation of the locking element, and optionally includes pivotable sections and guide channels to facilitate defined deflection and alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the locking element relies solely on material flexibility to operate the spring arms, then the structure can be simple, but at low temperatures the plastic becomes hard and the spring elements can break or become difficult to operate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a joint portion (ball and socket joint) that allows the spring arm to rotate and adapt its orientation dynamically. This dynamic capability enables the locking element to operate reliably across different temperature conditions by allowing movement compensation when material flexibility changes, rather than relying solely on the static flexibility of the plastic material.
Solution Approach 2:
The joint portion changes the operational parameters of the spring arm by introducing rotational degrees of freedom. This allows the system to adapt to varying material properties under different temperature conditions, maintaining functionality even when the plastic material becomes harder and less flexible at low temperatures.
2Ease of operation
If additional components like guide channels or pivotable sections are added to control spring arm movement, then operational control improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the guiding function directly into the spring arm structure itself through pivotable sections and integration with the joint portion, rather than adding separate external guide mechanisms. This combining approach provides controlled operation while minimizing additional components.
Solution Approach 2:
The joint portion serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides the rotational connection between spring arm and housing, acts as a guide for the spring arm's movement path, and allows adaptation to different operational conditions. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated guiding components.
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 joint portion and pivotable sections enable controlled and reproducible operation of the locking element, reducing material costs and preventing jamming, while ensuring secure coupling and uncoupling without relying solely on the flexibility of the locking element's material.
Implementation Method 1
The spring arm (20, 20a) is flexible and can be deformed elastically
Data Source
AI summary
A coupling device with a housing (12) and a locking element (11, 11′) for receiving a cylindrical connecting element (18, 18a), whereby an operating element (30) for the releasing of the locking element is accessible by way of an opening in the housing (12, 12′) and whereby the locking element (11, 11′) includes at least one holding portion (26), whereby the locking element (11, 11′) includes a first spring arm (20) with a holding portion (26) which arm extends from the operating element (30) all the way to a wall of the housing (12, 12′) opposite the operating element, whereby the spring arm (20) is constructed at the opposite wall with a joint portion (24). Alternatively, there are two spring arms with joint ends that engage each other.