Quick-Release Fire Extinguisher Nozzle Coupler Under Pressure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing couplers for fluid supply lines, such as those used in fire extinguishers, often require multiple steps for connection and disconnection, and can lead to unintentional disconnection under pressure, posing safety risks and inefficiencies in firefighting operations.
Innovation Solution
A push-to-connect and quick-release coupler system that allows for secure, one-step coupling and decoupling using a socket body with a slidable plug receiver and a collar that biases locking elements, enabling rapid and secure attachment and detachment of fire extinguisher nozzles and accessories.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a traditional multi-step coupler is used for connecting fire extinguisher nozzles, then the connection can be secure, but the operation requires multiple steps and time-consuming procedures
Solution Approach 1:
The coupler is divided into distinct functional components: a collar assembly with locking elements, a body with a plug receiver, and a nozzle plug. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently - the locking elements engage with the plug, the plug receiver guides insertion, and the collar provides the external interface for operation. This modular design enables the complex coupling action to be simplified into a single pushing motion that automatically triggers the sequence of locking events.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking elements are pre-positioned within the collar assembly in a ready-to-engage state, and the plug receiver is pre-configured with guide features that align the plug with the locking elements before contact. When the nozzle is pushed into the coupler, these pre-positioned features automatically guide the insertion and trigger the locking action without requiring the user to perform separate alignment or engagement steps. The system performs the complex sequencing of locking events in advance of the user's simple pushing action.
2Productivity
If a quick-connect coupler is used for rapid attachment, then the connection speed is improved, but the risk of unintentional disconnection under pressure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking elements are strategically positioned at multiple locations around the circumference of the collar assembly, creating localized engagement points distributed around the connection interface. This distributed locking arrangement ensures that pressure forces from any direction are counteracted by corresponding locking elements, preventing unintentional disconnection while maintaining the quick-connect capability. The local engagement features provide targeted resistance at critical stress points without requiring a complex overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking elements are designed to engage with the plug in advance of any pressure-induced separation forces. When the nozzle is inserted, the locking elements automatically snap into engagement with the plug's locking surfaces, creating a pre-established mechanical interlock that resists subsequent pressure forces. The collar spring maintains continuous bias on the locking elements to ensure they remain engaged under pressure, counteracting any forces that might attempt to separate the connection before the user intentionally activates the release mechanism.
3Reliability
If a secure locking mechanism is implemented to prevent unintentional disconnection, then the connection reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking elements, collar spring, and collar assembly are integrated into a single unified structure where the collar serves as both the external interface and the housing for the locking mechanism. The locking elements are directly attached to the collar body, eliminating the need for separate mounting features or additional fastening components. This merged design achieves reliable locking through the coordinated action of the spring-biased elements and the collar's geometric features, reducing the total component count while maintaining connection security.
Solution Approach 2:
The collar spring automatically biases the locking elements into engagement with the plug without requiring external actuation or additional control mechanisms. When the nozzle is inserted, the relative motion between the plug and collar automatically compresses the spring and triggers the locking elements to snap into place. For release, the user simply pulls the collar, which automatically reverses the spring bias and disengages the locking elements. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for complex control systems, sensors, or multiple actuating 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
Facilitates rapid and secure connection and disconnection of fire extinguisher nozzles and accessories, reducing the risk of unintentional disconnection and enhancing firefighting efficiency by allowing single-handed operation and maintaining fluid communication until intentional disengagement.
Implementation Method 1
a collar biased by a spring toward a locked-coupling configuration
Implementation Method 2
a collar biased by a spring toward a locked-coupling configuration
Data Source
AI summary
A push-to-connect and quick-release coupler can be provided. In an example, the coupler can be used with or coupled to a fire extinguisher nozzle. The coupler can include a socket body and an automatic locking assembly. In an example, the locking assembly can include a collar movably coupled with the socket body, and a movable locking element. In a locked configuration, a fire extinguisher nozzle can be retained in the socket body, and the collar can be disposed in a first position, and the locking element can be biased by the collar toward the plug portion of the fire extinguisher nozzle. In a released or unlocked configuration, the nozzle can be removable from the socket body, the collar can be disposed in a second position, and the locking element can be unbiased by the collar.