Quick Connect Coupling Stabilization via Axial Shuttling Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Quick connect and quick disconnect hose couplings face issues with inadvertent disconnection, especially in industrial environments, due to complex designs and additional components that increase costs and safety risks, and suffer from axial shuttling effects that reduce connection longevity.
Innovation Solution
A design featuring a male portion with a groove for a dust seal, where a sleeve is slidably mounted to capture a clip in an annular groove, preventing shuttling by aligning and retaining the clip, and using a frustoconical ramp for secure connection and disconnection, ensuring stability and safety without relying on human intervention for safety components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a stop member is added to prevent inadvertent disconnection, then safety is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the stop member from the coupling design, relying instead on the inherent geometry of the port and stem to prevent inadvertent disconnection. The port includes a frustoconical ramp and axial shuttling mechanism that actively engage with the stem to prevent accidental separation without requiring an additional stop member component.
Solution Approach 2:
The safety function previously requiring a separate stop member is merged into the port's structural design. The frustoconical ramp and axial shuttling features are integrated directly into the port body, combining the sealing, locking, and inadvertent disconnection prevention functions into a single unified structure.
2Reliability
If a stop member is added to prevent inadvertent disconnection, then safety is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates the stop member component entirely, reducing the total number of parts that need to be manufactured, inventoried, and assembled. This extraction of the unnecessary component directly reduces manufacturing costs while maintaining safety through the port's geometric design.
Solution Approach 2:
The port structure is designed to perform multiple functions: sealing the connection, preventing inadvertent disconnection through axial shuttling, and guiding the stem during assembly. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated components, reducing overall manufacturing complexity and cost.
3Ease of operation
If quick disconnect capability is implemented, then ease of operation is improved, but risk of inadvertent disconnection increases
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling employs dynamic axial shuttling movement that allows the stem to move axially within the port during normal operation, enabling easy connection and disconnection. However, the frustoconical ramp and geometric interlocking create a dynamic lock that prevents inadvertent separation while still allowing intentional quick disconnect when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling mechanism changes the engagement parameters through axial movement. During connection, the stem moves axially to engage the frustoconical ramp and compress the elastomeric seal. During intentional disconnect, reverse axial movement releases the engagement. This parameter change enables both ease of operation and safety.
4Duration of action of stationary object
If axial shuttling is reduced, then connection longevity is improved, but quick disconnect capability may be affected
Solution Approach 1:
The design allows controlled dynamic axial shuttling during operation to maintain engagement without excessive movement that would cause wear. The frustoconical ramp geometry provides a stable engagement zone that minimizes unnecessary shuttling, extending connection longevity while preserving quick disconnect capability through intentional axial movement.
Data Source
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AI summary
A quick to connect and quick to disconnect fluid coupling (100) includes a clip (166), a male stem (112) having an annular clip groove adapted to receive the clip, a female port (110) having a step groove adapted to receive the clip upon insertion- of the stem into the port, and a sleeve (102) slideably disposed about the stem adapted to about the clip and minimize shuttling of the stem within the port. The sleeve may be biased toward the clip by a dust seal (70) abutting a shoulder of the sleeve distal from a lead-in end of the sleeve abutting the clip. Also, the sleeve may radially retain the clip, compressed in an annular groove of the stem, and/or the sleeve abutting the clip may stabilize the clip and axially align the clip with the stem, for insertion of the stem into the port.