Fluid Coupling Actuating Ball Diameter Differentiation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid coupling technologies face issues with reliable engagement and high connection loads due to low radial overruns and manufacturing tolerances, leading to actuating balls not maintaining engagement between the locking ring and complementary coupling element during recoil.
Innovation Solution
The use of actuating balls with a diameter between 105% and 125% of the locking balls, along with specific geometric features such as angled housing slopes and a sealing gasket, ensures reliable engagement and minimal connection loads by maintaining actuating ball contact with the elongated housing and preventing radial outward movement during recoil.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If actuating balls of the same diameter as locking balls are used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability of coupling engagement deteriorates due to low radial overruns and manufacturing tolerances
Solution Approach 1:
The actuating balls are given a different diameter (larger) than the locking balls, creating local differentiation in the system. This local quality change ensures that actuating balls maintain proper engagement with the locking ring and complementary coupling element during recoil, while locking balls perform their specific locking function. The size differentiation allows each ball type to be optimized for its particular function, resolving the reliability issue without excessive complexity.
2Ease of manufacture
If actuating balls of the same diameter as locking balls are used, then manufacturing is simplified, but connection loads increase significantly when locking balls must actuate the locking ring
Solution Approach 1:
By differentiating the diameter of actuating balls from locking balls, the invention assigns specific functional roles to each ball type. The larger actuating balls are specifically designed to actuate the locking ring with reduced connection loads, while locking balls handle the locking function. This local quality differentiation prevents the scenario where locking balls must bear excessive actuation loads, thereby reducing overall connection loads while maintaining manufacturability.
3Device complexity
If actuating balls have low radial overruns, then the device structure is simplified, but the actuating balls cannot maintain engagement during recoil of the locking ring
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the diameter parameter of the actuating balls, making them larger than the locking balls. This parameter change increases the radial overrun of actuating balls, allowing them to maintain engagement with the locking ring and complementary coupling element during recoil. The enlarged diameter provides sufficient radial clearance for the actuating balls to remain in contact throughout the recoil motion, ensuring reliable engagement without complicating the device structure.
Data Source
AI summary
A fluid coupling element including a base body having a central axis (X-X) in which a complementary fluid coupling element is selectively received, and wherein a locking ring includes a locking ball that is capable of locking the complementary fluid coupling element relative to the base body locking ball is movable radially in the body between a locking position of the complementary fluid coupling element and an unlocking position and wherein an actuating ball of the locking ring is adapted to be pushed into an elongated housing of the base body by the complementary fluid coupling element so as to move the locking ring axially from a locking position, wherein the locking ball is locked in the locking position, to a release position and a spring for returning the locking ring to the locking position and wherein the actuating ball has a diameter greater than a diameter of the locking ball.