Fluid Coupling Latch Plate Segmentation for Torsional Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid coupling designs are prone to disconnection under torsional forces due to latch plates with intersecting openings, leading to instability and increased manufacturing costs, and are not compatible with existing smaller coupling designs.
Innovation Solution
A latch plate design with separate openings for the latch pin and male plug, featuring raised radial edges and notches, which prevents disconnection during twisting and pulling forces while allowing for smaller dimensions and retrofitting capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If latch plates have intersecting openings for latch pin and male plug, then the latch plate structure is compact, but the coupling is prone to disconnection under torsional forces
Solution Approach 1:
The latch plate is divided into two separate openings: one for the male plug and another for the latch pin. This segmentation prevents the openings from interfering with each other during torsional forces, eliminating the 'cam out' effect while maintaining structural integrity and connection reliability.
2Reliability
If latch plates have separate openings for latch pin and male plug, then connection stability under torsional forces is improved, but the latch plate size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The latch plate utilizes the thickness dimension of the coupling body to position the latch pin opening at a different depth than the male plug opening. This three-dimensional arrangement allows separate openings without increasing the lateral footprint of the latch plate, maintaining compact dimensions while ensuring connection stability under torsional loads.
3Reliability
If larger coupling bodies are used to accommodate larger latch plates, then connection stability is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
By positioning openings at different depths within the existing coupling body thickness, the design accommodates separate openings for the latch pin and male plug without requiring larger lateral dimensions. This maintains compatibility with existing coupling body sizes, avoiding increased material usage and manufacturing costs while achieving the desired connection stability.
4Reliability
If larger latch plates are used to prevent disconnection, then connection stability is improved, but compatibility with existing smaller coupling designs is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The latch plate design utilizes the depth dimension of existing coupling bodies to create separate openings for the male plug and latch pin. This approach maintains the lateral dimensions compatible with existing smaller coupling designs, enabling retrofit applications while providing the connection stability needed to prevent disconnection under torsional forces.
Data Source
AI summary
A male coupling for attaching to a female coupling in which rotation of the male coupling with respect to the female coupling is limited. In one embodiment, the male coupling has one or more tabs extending from a flange, the tabs limiting rotation when the male coupling is mated to a female coupling assembly for fluid conductors