Grease Female Coupling With By-Pass Recirculation for Leak Prevention

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing grease couplings for hydraulic systems in earth-moving machines do not provide a fluid recirculation function, leading to issues of overpressures and leakages when disconnected from the lubrication circuit.

Innovation Solution

A female cartridge coupling for grease that includes a by-pass channel mechanism, utilizing axially movable sliders and sealing elements like polyurethane gaskets to recirculate grease when disconnected and seal it when connected, allowing for automatic fluid management within the hydraulic system.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a known type of coupling is used for conveying grease, then the coupling structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but it does not provide fluid recirculation function leading to overpressures and leakages

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprevention of overpressures and leakagesVSAvoidcoupling structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The coupling is divided into separate functional components: a body with inlet/outlet conduits, a by-pass channel with sealing means, and a valve mechanism. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function while maintaining overall system reliability and enabling modular manufacturing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The by-pass channel acts as an intermediary pathway that allows grease to recirculate when the coupling is disconnected. The sealing means in this by-pass channel prevents direct connection between inlet and outlet while enabling controlled recirculation, thus preventing overpressures and leakages without requiring complex external systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If the coupling is disconnected from the lubrication circuit, then the coupling can be easily installed and removed, but overpressures and grease leakages occur due to lack of recirculation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of coupling installation and removalVSAvoidoverpressures and grease leakages
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The coupling system is self-sufficient in managing grease recirculation. When disconnected, the by-pass channel with its sealing means automatically enables grease to recirculate within the coupling body, preventing overpressures and leakages without requiring external systems or manual intervention. The system serves itself by incorporating the recirculation function directly into the coupling structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Extent of automation

If the coupling is designed for multi-coupling device insertion, then it can be used in automated systems, but it loses adaptability for manual coupling operations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecompatibility with multi-coupling devicesVSAvoidmanual coupling capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Extent of automationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The coupling is designed with universal features that enable it to function in both automated multi-coupling devices and manual operations. The standardized body structure with inlet/outlet conduits allows insertion into multi-coupling devices, while the integrated by-pass channel and valve mechanism provide the recirculation function needed for both automated and manual applications, making the coupling versatile across different operational contexts.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

Enables the recirculation of grease within the lubrication circuit when the coupling is disconnected, preventing overpressures and leakages, and can be easily adapted for both multi-coupling and manual connection configurations.

Implementation Method 1

a by-pass channel (9) provided on the adapter (4) between the inlet duct (41) and the outlet duct (42), and a sealing means, advantageously composed of a polyurethane gasket (8), for sealing the by-pass channel (9)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

first (11) and second (12) thrust means, advantageously composed of helical springs

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSpring force: Spring

Data Source

PatentEP3945236B1Female coupling for grease
Publication Date: 2023.05.24 FASTER SPA
  • EP3945236B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3945236B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3945236B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

The present invention relates to a female cartridge coupling for grease optimized for use in the hydraulic system of machines, in particular earth-moving machines and the like. In particular, the invention relates to a quick female coupling for connecting a lubrication line suitable for conveying grease, which is characterized in that it comprises a by-pass suitable for putting the inlet and outlet ducts of the grease from the rear part of the coupling in fluid connection with each other, creating a recirculation of the grease with the coupling disconnected.