Fluid Coupling Retainer with Segmented Annular Grooves
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid coupling retainers face difficulties in retaining coupling members with large diameters, as the elastic deformation of claws becomes increasingly challenging, making it hard to attach and detach the retainer effectively.
Innovation Solution
A fluid coupling design that incorporates an annular gasket retaining portion and an annular coupling member retaining portion, utilizing an elastic or rigid ring to securely hold the gasket and coupling members, respectively, with annular grooves and snap rings or metallic washers for enhanced retention and ease of attachment/detachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of stationary object
If the diameter of the retainer becomes larger, then the fluid coupling can accommodate larger coupling members, but it becomes more difficult to elastically deform the coupling member retaining claws outward in the radial direction
Solution Approach 1:
The retainer is divided into two functional segments: an integrated small-diameter portion (gasket retaining portion) and a large-diameter portion (coupling member retaining portion). This segmentation allows each part to be optimized independently - the small-diameter portion maintains ease of elastic deformation for easy attachment/detachment, while the large-diameter portion accommodates larger coupling members.
Solution Approach 2:
The retainer transitions from a single-diameter design to a two-diameter design with different functional zones. The inverse L-shaped cross-section creates distinct radial dimensions - a smaller operational diameter for the gasket retaining portion where elastic deformation occurs, and a larger diameter for the coupling member retaining portion that accommodates large coupling members without requiring proportional increase in claw deformation difficulty.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the retainer is designed to retain coupling members with large diameters, then the fluid coupling can handle larger components, but the retainer becomes harder to attach and detach
Solution Approach 1:
The retainer separates the retention functions into two distinct portions: the small-diameter gasket retaining portion that interfaces with the gasket via a ring, and the large-diameter coupling member retaining portion that interfaces with the coupling member via an elastic ring. This segmentation allows the coupling member retaining portion to accommodate large diameters while the small-diameter portion maintains ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
An elastic ring is introduced as an intermediary between the coupling member retaining portion and the coupling member. This elastic ring facilitates easy attachment and detachment by providing flexible engagement, while still enabling secure retention of large-diameter coupling members through its elastic properties.
3Ease of operation
If conventional retainers with elastic claws are used, then attachment and detachment are easy, but they cannot effectively retain coupling members with large diameters
Solution Approach 1:
The retainer is segmented into two portions with different diameters and functions. The small-diameter gasket retaining portion maintains the elastic deformation capability for easy operation, while the large-diameter coupling member retaining portion provides the necessary adaptability for large coupling members.
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the retainer are given different local qualities: the small-diameter gasket retaining portion has high elasticity for easy attachment/detachment, while the large-diameter coupling member retaining portion has the structural capacity to accommodate and retain large coupling members effectively.
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
The solution allows for secure retention of gaskets and coupling members, enabling easy attachment and detachment, even with larger diameters, thereby improving the usability and reliability of fluid couplings in various applications.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic ring is held in the groove... the coupling member retaining portion of the retainer being joined to the coupling member via an elastic ring
Implementation Method 2
an annular gasket interposed between abutment ends of the coupling members... achieves sealability owing to plastic deformation of the gasket
Data Source
AI summary
A retainer includes an annular gasket retaining portion for retaining a gasket therein and an annular coupling member retaining portion which has an inner diameter greater than that of the gasket retaining portion and retains one coupling member. At an inner circumference of the gasket retaining portion and an inner circumference of the coupling member retaining portion are formed annular grooves, respectively, for holding therein elastic rings, respectively.