Quick-Disconnect Fluid Coupling With Sleeve-Driven Nut Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional coupling assemblies are often large, heavy, and difficult to assemble, requiring tools and lacking in ease of use for quick disconnection.
Innovation Solution
A quick disconnect coupling assembly featuring a first member with external threads, a nut with internal threads, and a sleeve that rotates to engage the threads, allowing for easy assembly and disassembly without tools, utilizing a spring and elastomeric seal for secure fluid connection and reduced weight.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional coupling assemblies are used, then connection strength is achieved, but the coupling becomes large, heavy, and difficult to assemble
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling assembly is divided into separate components: a first member, a second member with external threads, a nut with internal threads, and a sleeve. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently, resulting in a lighter overall assembly that is easier to handle and assemble while maintaining connection strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The nut is disposed at least partially around the first member, and the sleeve is configured to rotate the nut. This nested arrangement where components are integrated within each other reduces the overall volume and weight of the coupling assembly while maintaining structural integrity and connection strength.
2Ease of operation
If conventional coupling assemblies are used, then connection strength is achieved, but tools are required for assembly
Solution Approach 1:
The sleeve is configured to rotate the nut when the operator rotates the sleeve itself. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for separate tools like wrenches or sockets, as the coupling assembly includes its own built-in mechanism for tightening the connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The sleeve serves multiple functions: it acts as a protective cover, a rotational actuator for the nut, and a structural component of the coupling assembly. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed, simplifying the overall device while maintaining assembly capability.
3Ease of operation
If a quick disconnect coupling is designed for easy assembly, then ease of operation improves, but connection strength may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling assembly allows dynamic operation where the sleeve can be rotated to tighten the nut for secure connection, and then rotated in reverse or removed to disconnect quickly. This dynamic design enables the same structure to provide both strong connection when engaged and easy disconnection when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The external threads on the second member and internal threads on the nut are pre-configured to engage automatically when the components are assembled. This preliminary threading arrangement ensures that connection strength is achieved through the threaded engagement before any additional tightening action is applied, providing a secure base connection that can then be quickly disconnected by reversing the sleeve rotation.
Data Source
AI summary
Fluid coupling (10), comprising: a first member (20) configured for connection with a first fluid conduit (16); a second member (30) configured for connection with a second fluid conduit (18); a nut (50) disposed at least partially around the first member (20), the nut (50) configured to engage the second member (30); and a sleeve (60) configured to rotate the nut (50) and cause or facilitate engagement between the nut (50) and the second member (30).