Fluid Coupling with Pivoting Handle Locking Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Fluid system components face challenges with unintentional disengagement due to line pressure, leading to potential leaks and safety hazards, especially when handling hazardous materials, and issues with thermal expansion causing frictional locking of components.
Innovation Solution
A coupling system with a sleeve and collar configuration that includes a locking mechanism with a pin and crank arm handle, allowing selective engagement and disengagement while preventing disengagement under line pressure, and accommodating thermal expansion differences through groove design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a quick coupling device is configured to allow easy uncoupling, then the ease of operation is improved, but the risk of unintentional disengagement under line pressure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling device incorporates a pressure-actuated locking mechanism that preemptively prevents disengagement when line pressure is detected. The resilient member and cam surface arrangement creates a preliminary counter-force that opposes any uncoupling attempt until pressure is reduced, thereby preventing unintentional disengagement before it can occur.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling device uses a dynamic locking mechanism where the resilient member responds to changing pressure conditions. Under pressure, the resilient member engages the cam surface to lock the coupling; when pressure releases, the resilient member allows disengagement. This dynamic behavior automatically adapts the coupling state to current operating conditions.
2Reliability
If a locking mechanism is added to prevent disengagement under pressure, then the reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling device employs a self-actuating locking mechanism where the line pressure itself activates the locking action through the resilient member and cam surface interaction. The system uses the available pressure energy to engage the lock without requiring external power sources, control systems, or additional actuation mechanisms, thereby maintaining simplicity while achieving reliable pressure-dependent locking.
3Strength
If components are designed for secure engagement, then the strength of connection is improved, but the difficulty of detecting and measuring pressure conditions increases
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling device incorporates visual indicators (such as colored bands or markings on the collar or sleeve) that change position or appearance based on the engagement state and pressure conditions. These visual cues provide immediate, intuitive feedback to the operator about whether the coupling is locked and whether pressure conditions permit safe disengagement, eliminating the need for pressure gauges or complex detection systems.
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 secure engagement and safe disengagement of fluid system components, reducing the risk of leaks and accidents by ensuring the coupling remains locked until pressure is reduced, and addressing thermal expansion issues for easier handling.
Implementation Method 1
issues with thermal expansion causing frictional locking of components
Data Source
AI summary
A fluid system component includes first and second elements configured to be removably engaged with each other to define a fluid passageway. The first element defines at least one groove. Correspondingly, the second element includes at least one engagement member configured to be received in a corresponding groove. The presence of a line pressure in the passageway substantially forecloses disengagement of the first and second elements until the fluid pressure in the fluid passageway has decreased to a predetermined magnitude. A handling and locking mechanism for selectively securing the second element relative to the first element is included. The locking mechanism includes a pin controlled by a crank arm assembly adjacent a collar handle. The crank arm assembly includes a crank arm handle that rotates to withdrawn the pin from the second element and which facilitates rotation of the first element relative to the second element.