Female Fluid Coupling Latch for Pressurized Rotational Locking

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing fluid handling couplings lack effective resistance to inadvertent disconnection, especially when subjected to rotation while pressurized, and are not convenient for quick coupling and decoupling.

Innovation Solution

A female fluid coupling with a movable latch mechanism and an oval cross-sectional shape that provides strong resistance to disconnection, featuring a protrusion that becomes seated in a groove of the mated male coupling, allowing for easy coupling and decoupling, and is economical to manufacture using injection molded thermoplastic components.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a traditional fluid coupling design is used, then the coupling can be quickly connected or disconnected, but it provides insufficient resistance to inadvertent disconnection when subjected to rotation while pressurized

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveresistance to inadvertent disconnectionVSAvoidconvenience of coupling and decoupling

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The latch mechanism is designed to be movable between a retracted position (allowing easy coupling) and an engaged position (providing strong resistance to disconnection). This dynamic positioning allows the coupling to transition from an easy-to-connect state to a secure locked state, resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The coupling body includes an oval-shaped outer portion that automatically engages with the latch mechanism during insertion. This self-aligning feature eliminates the need for complex alignment procedures, maintaining ease of operation while the latch provides secure locking for reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Reliability

If a latch mechanism is added to provide resistance to disconnection, then reliability improves, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveresistance to inadvertent disconnectionVSAvoidstructural complexity of coupling

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The latch mechanism is integrated directly into the coupling body as a unified structure rather than being a separate component. This merging reduces the number of parts and simplifies manufacturing while still providing the necessary reliability through the latch's engagement with the oval-shaped outer portion.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The oval-shaped outer portion of the coupling body provides asymmetric geometry that naturally guides the latch mechanism into its engaged position. This asymmetric design simplifies the latch structure by eliminating the need for complex alignment features, thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #4Asymmetry

Data Source

PatentUS10975982B2Fluid handling coupling body with latch

Publication Date: 2021.04.13 COLDER PRODUCTS CO

AI summary

Fluid handling couplings can be made to connect and disconnect other members of a fluid handling system. For example, this document describes fluid couplings that are convenient to couple/decouple and that provide strong resistance to inadvertent disconnection when subjected to rotation while pressurized. In some embodiments, the resistance to inadvertent disconnection is facilitated by a latch mechanism of the female coupling that includes a protrusion that becomes seated in a groove of a mated male coupling.