Fluid Coupling Locking Element for Simplified Safety Interlock
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid couplings are complex and costly to produce and assemble due to numerous individual parts for separate safety mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A simplified fluid coupling design where the locking element is arranged to displace parallel to the throughflow direction, releasing the rotary lever by the coupling halves hooking into each other vertically, reducing the number of parts and complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate safety mechanisms with multiple individual parts are used, then safety criteria are met, but device complexity and production cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple safety functions (blocking function, locking function, and safety interlocking) into a single integrated locking element that operates automatically when coupling halves are connected. This merging eliminates the need for separate safety mechanisms while maintaining all required safety criteria, directly resolving the contradiction between reliability and device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking element serves multiple functions simultaneously: it blocks the medium flow path when disconnected, locks the rotary lever in the closed position, and automatically releases when coupling halves are properly connected. This multi-functionality allows a single component to replace what would traditionally require multiple separate parts, reducing complexity while ensuring safety.
2Reliability
If multiple individual parts for safety mechanisms are used, then safety is ensured, but production and assembly costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
By merging multiple safety functions into a single locking element, the patent reduces the total number of parts that need to be manufactured and assembled. This integration directly lowers production costs (fewer components to manufacture) and assembly costs (fewer parts to put together), while still meeting all safety requirements through the multi-functional locking element.
3Ease of manufacture
If a simplified design with fewer parts is used, then production cost decreases, but achieving safety criteria becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The locking element is designed as a universal component that performs multiple safety-critical functions: it blocks medium flow when disconnected, prevents inadvertent disconnection through the blocking function, and automatically releases the rotary lever only when coupling halves are properly connected. This multi-functionality in a single part achieves safety criteria while maintaining design simplicity and low production cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking element automatically performs safety functions without requiring separate control mechanisms. When coupling halves are connected, the locking element self-actuates to release the rotary lever, and when disconnected, it automatically returns to the blocking position. This self-service capability ensures safety criteria are met without adding complexity or cost.
Data Source
AI summary
Fluid coupling containing two coupling halves that can be coupled to one another via connecting elements, each of the coupling halves containing: a housing, which has an end face, the end face having at least one connecting element for the mutual connection of the coupling halves, the housing having an end-face connecting face, the connecting faces of the two coupling halves contacting one another when in the coupled state; a spherical valve element; a locking element, which can be mutually operated via the connecting elements and releases rotary levers; and a rotary lever for operating the valve element, wherein the locking element is arranged in the housing such that it can be displaced parallel to the throughflow direction or longitudinal axis, wherein the locking element is displaced parallel to the throughflow direction or longitudinal axis, and the rotary lever is released, by the coupling halves hooking into one another vertically relative to the throughflow direction or longitudinal axis.