Fluid Pipe Coupling Ring Structure for Low-Cost Sealed Assembly

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing sealed coupling devices for fluid pipes are costly to produce while maintaining effective sealing and modular functionality, particularly in motor vehicle applications.

Innovation Solution

A device comprising a female coupling and a ring with axially offset retaining means, elastically deformable tongues, and a locking member that allows for the use of relatively rigid materials, ensuring strong engagement with minimal deformation, and a locking mechanism that includes through openings and a U-shaped staple for secure alignment with male couplings.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If softer materials are used for the female coupling and ring to ensure sealing effectiveness, then sealing quality is improved, but material costs increase and structural rigidity decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesealing effectivenessVSAvoidmaterial cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The device is divided into three main segments: the female coupling, the ring, and the gasket. The gasket is specifically designed as a separate sealing element that can be made of soft material, while the female coupling and ring can be made of rigid materials. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function without compromising overall performance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The gasket acts as an intermediary element between the female coupling and the ring/male coupling. It provides the sealing function that would otherwise require the coupling components themselves to be soft, thereby allowing the main structural components to be made of rigid, cost-effective materials while maintaining sealing effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of manufacture

If the female coupling and ring are made as integrated components, then manufacturing simplicity is improved, but adaptability to different male coupling types decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanufacturing simplicityVSAvoidcompatibility with male coupling types

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The ring is designed with universal retaining means that can accommodate different types of male couplings. The axial retaining means on the ring can engage with various retention features on different male coupling types, making the same ring design compatible across multiple coupling variants while maintaining a simple integrated structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Ease of operation

If the retaining means are positioned in the same axial location, then assembly simplicity is improved, but engagement strength decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveassembly simplicityVSAvoidengagement strength

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The retaining means are arranged in the axial dimension at different positions along the ring. This axial distribution creates multiple engagement points that work together to provide cumulative locking strength. While this adds a dimensional aspect to the design, it maintains assembly simplicity through the self-aligning nature of the axial arrangement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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 reduces material costs by using rigid materials for the female coupling and ring while maintaining high-quality sealing and modular functionality, allowing for easy assembly and secure engagement with various male couplings.

Implementation Method 1

each window of the axial retaining means of the ring for holding it to the female coupling houses an elastically deformable tongue made integrally with the ring

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

the retaining means of the ring suitable for holding the ring to the male coupling include at least one, and preferably at least two, through openings arranged in the body of the ring and a locking member configured in its state positioned on the ring to project through the through opening(s)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical fastening: Mechanical Fastener

Data Source

PatentUS11168819B2Device for coupling a fluid pipe and a male coupling, and assembly comprising such a device and said associated male coupling

Publication Date: 2021.11.09 TRISTONE FLOWTECH SOLUTIONS TFS

AI summary

A coupling device is provided having a female coupling engageable with a male coupling and a ring interposable between the couplings and provided with retaining means. A gasket is housed in the female coupling and held in position by the ring. The retaining means axially holds the ring to the female coupling and has two windows spaced apart in the circumferential direction over the body of the ring. The complementary retaining means of the female coupling has two lugs projecting from the tubular body constituting the female coupling. Each window houses an elastically deformable tongue having its free end co-operating with a longitudinal edge of the window to provide a housing within which one of the lugs becomes inserted in the engaged state of the female coupling and of the ring, and the retaining means holds the ring to the male coupling having two through openings arranged in the body of the ring and a locking member.