Fluid Coupling Latch With Intermediate Unlocking for Pressure Purge
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid circuit connection devices are impractical for disconnection under pressure, as they require manual holding of the unlock position to balance pressure, risking violent ejection of the endpiece.
Innovation Solution
A coupling device with a lock that moves axially between locking and unlocking positions, using a spring to maintain the unlock position during disconnection, ensuring the lock is held without manual intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the lock is held in the unlocked position to allow pressure balancing, then the endpiece can be disconnected, but the operator must manually hold the position which is cumbersome and risks violent ejection
Solution Approach 1:
The lock mechanism transitions from a static held position to a dynamic automated sequence. The lock is spring-biased to automatically move between locked and unlocked positions during disconnection, eliminating the need for manual holding while controlling the pressure balancing process through automated positional changes
Solution Approach 2:
The lock mechanism serves itself by using spring pressure to automatically return to the locked position after unlocking. This self-returning mechanism eliminates the need for operator intervention to maintain the unlocked position, making the system self-sufficient during the disconnection process
2Ease of manufacture
If the lock structure is simplified, then the device is easier to manufacture, but it cannot automatically hold the unlock position during disconnection
Solution Approach 1:
A spring is used to provide a counteracting force that automatically returns the lock to the locked position after unlocking. This spring mechanism is a simple, reliable component that ensures the lock returns to its initial state without complex control systems, maintaining reliability while keeping the structure simple
Solution Approach 2:
The spring-loaded lock mechanism is self-actuating, using the stored elastic energy in the spring to automatically return the lock to the locked position. This eliminates the need for external actuators or complex control mechanisms, achieving both simplicity and reliability
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 safe and practical disconnection of fluid circuit elements by allowing the endpiece to move back under pressure, balancing pressure automatically, eliminating the need for manual holding and preventing violent ejection.
Implementation Method 1
a lock (11) mounted to move in the housing (10) between a locked position in which the lock (11) is returned by a spring (12)
Implementation Method 2
a valve (8) mounted to be movable axially under a thrust of the endpiece (1000)
Implementation Method 3
Fluid can flow under pressure between the body and the tip
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention relates to a coupling device (1) comprising a tubular body (2) delimiting a channel (3) having, in an axially successive manner, a first section (31) for receiving a nozzle (1000) and a second section (32) in which a valve (8) is mounted so as to be axially moveable under pressure from the nozzle (1000) from a closed position of a seat (7) extending between the first section (31) and the second section (32) to a disengagement position of the seat (7), the first section (31) being provided with a recess (10) in which a latch (11) is mounted able to move transverse to the channel (3) between a locking position in which the latch (11) is resiliently recalled by a spring (9) and an unlocking position, the latch (11) being provided with a transverse bore (111) enabling the nozzle (1000) to pass through the latch (11) in order to push the valve (8), a first step (112) and a second step (113) projecting into the bore (111) at axially offset positions such that the first step (112) retains the nozzle (1000) in a depressed position maintaining the valve (8) in the disengaged position when the latch (11) is in the locking position and the second step (113) retains the nozzle (1000) in an intermediate position leaving the valve (8) in the closed position when the latch (11) is in the unlocking position and allowing the nozzle (1000) to be purged.