Anti-unscrewing Quick Coupling Fitting with Threaded Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Quick coupling fittings in hydraulic systems disconnect due to strong vibrations and twistings of flexible hoses, leading to reduced hydraulic liquid flow and mechanical failure, especially when large return springs are used, making manual locking difficult.
Innovation Solution
A quick coupling fitting design featuring a female connector with a screwing ring and sliding ring mechanism, combined with compression springs and a locking ring, which securely engages and locks the male and female connectors, resisting vibrations and pulsation forces, allowing for easy manual locking and maintaining connection under strong liquid flows.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single twist with increased angle occurs, then the quick coupling fitting disconnects, but this leads to reduced hydraulic liquid flow and mechanical failure
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is segmented into multiple locking elements distributed around the coupling interface. Instead of relying on a single locking point, multiple elements provide distributed resistance to twisting forces, so that a single twist cannot disconnect the fitting. The segmentation distributes the mechanical stress and prevents catastrophic failure from localized twisting.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking elements are pre-positioned and pre-loaded against the coupling surface before any twisting force is applied. This preliminary action creates initial friction and mechanical interference that must be overcome before disconnection can occur, providing resistance to unexpected twisting forces.
2Force
If large return springs are used to keep stopping elements under pressure, then locking force is improved, but manual locking becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism transitions from a static spring-pressure system to a dynamic thread-based system. The screwing ring allows progressive engagement where the user can control the locking process in stages, converting rotational motion into linear locking force. This dynamic approach replaces the need for large springs while maintaining locking force through mechanical advantage of the thread geometry.
Solution Approach 2:
The large return springs are replaced with a threaded mechanical fastening system. Instead of relying on elastic force from compressed springs, the locking force is generated through the mechanical advantage of screw threads, which convert small rotational forces into large linear locking forces, making manual operation feasible.
3Reliability
If the quick coupling fitting is designed to resist strong vibrations and twistings, then connection reliability is improved, but the structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The screwing ring performs multiple functions: it provides the locking mechanism, generates friction resistance to vibrations, creates radial clamping force through thread engagement, and allows for manual adjustment. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components dedicated to each function, thereby reducing overall complexity while maintaining high reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple locking functions are merged into a single integrated thread-based system. The screwing ring combines axial locking, radial clamping, and friction-based vibration resistance in one component, eliminating the need for separate springs, balls, and locking elements that would increase complexity.
4Reliability
If multiple locking elements are used to prevent disconnection, then resistance to vibrations is improved, but the ease of manufacture decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking function is segmented into multiple circumferential contact points created by the thread geometry. These segmented contact points provide distributed vibration resistance without requiring separate manufactured components for each contact point, as they are all formed by the same threading process applied to the screwing ring.
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 design ensures the quick coupling fitting remains securely connected despite vibrations and strong liquid flows, resisting uncoupling and maintaining hydraulic flow without manual effort, ensuring stability and reliability.
Implementation Method 1
a compression spring which exerts a radial force on the stopping element
Implementation Method 2
a screwing ring which is screwed to the external casing of the female connector
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
A quick coupling fitting (1) is described, comprising a first connector (2) and a second connector (3) coaxially screwed along a longitudinal axis (L), said first connector (2) comprises at least one guide track (27) which is integral with an external casing (23), a sliding ring (28) slidably mounted axially aligned with the external casing (23) and adapted to slide on said at least one guide track (27), a screwing ring (29) screwed with said external casing (23), said sliding ring (28) comprises at least one tooth (288), said second connector (3) comprises a locking ring (38) rotatably mounted axially aligned with said external body (3) which comprises at least one housing (388), said at least one tooth (288) being mountable with said at least one housing (388) in a fully screwed position of the quick coupling fitting (1).