Quick-Disconnect Coupling With Spring-Loaded Locking Tabs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional quick-disconnect couplings for hoses and pipes require manual operation and excessive force to achieve a leak-free seal, and often rely on cam arms for locking, which can be cumbersome and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A hollow coupler body with spring-operated locking tabs and a bellows-style gasket that allows for passive engagement and locking, enabling a leak-free seal with minimal insertion force without the need for cam arms, using a torsion spring to pivot locking tabs into a locking position automatically upon adaptor insertion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional quick-disconnect couplings use cam arms for locking, then the locking mechanism can be engaged, but the operation becomes cumbersome and requires excessive force
Solution Approach 1:
The locking tabs are spring-loaded to automatically engage with the circumferential groove when the adaptor is inserted, eliminating the need for manual operation of cam arms. The system serves itself by using the insertion motion to trigger automatic locking through the spring mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the traditional cam arm mechanical system with a spring-loaded tab system. This substitution eliminates complex cam mechanisms and reduces the force required for operation by using elastic storage in the spring rather than mechanical leverage.
2Productivity
If conventional couplings require manual operation, then locking can be achieved, but operator effort and time are excessive
Solution Approach 1:
The locking tabs are pre-loaded with spring force in a ready-to-engage position. When the adaptor is inserted, the tabs automatically spring into the circumferential groove without requiring manual activation, thus performing the locking action in advance of any manual intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically performs the locking function through the spring-loaded tabs that engage the circumferential groove during insertion, eliminating the need for manual operation and reducing both operator effort and time required for connection.
3Reliability
If conventional couplings use complex locking mechanisms, then locking can be achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking function is segmented into multiple independent spring-loaded tabs distributed around the coupler body. Each tab independently engages with the circumferential groove, providing reliable locking through distributed simple elements rather than a single complex mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex cam arm mechanisms with simpler spring-loaded tabs that engage grooves. This substitution maintains locking reliability through the spring force while dramatically reducing mechanical complexity by eliminating cam surfaces, linkages, and manual actuation 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
This solution provides a low-force, passive locking system that ensures a tight seal with reduced operator effort, allowing for higher pressure ratings compared to conventional fittings, up to 500 psi, while eliminating the need for manual adjustment of locking mechanisms.
Implementation Method 1
using a torsion spring to pivot locking tabs into a locking position automatically upon adaptor insertion
Implementation Method 2
A bellows-style gasket allows for passive engagement and locking, enabling a leak-free seal with minimal insertion force
Data Source
AI summary
A quick-disconnect coupling including a hollow coupler body having opposite open ends and defining an adaptor-receiving socket therein, a gasket housed within the coupler body at a base of the adaptor-receiving socket, the gasket having a sealing ring and a bellows portion, and at least one locking tab connected to the coupler body such that the at least one locking tab is able to pivot relative to the coupler body between a locking position and an unlocking position for purposes of locking and releasing an adaptor to the coupler body.