Hose Coupling Locking Clip Prevents Accidental Disconnection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hose couplings with locking mechanisms, such as those using cotter pins, are difficult to release when operators wear thick protective gloves and can lead to unintended disconnection due to excessive movement, resulting in safety and cost issues related to loss and replacement.
Innovation Solution
A hose coupling lock retention mechanism, including a locking clip with angled shoulders and wings, limits the movement of locking arms and allows easy release, even with safety equipment, by using a plate and clevis design that secures the locking arm without a cotter pin, reducing the likelihood of accidental disconnection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a cotter pin is used to secure the locking mechanism, then the locking mechanism is maintained in a locked position, but the locking mechanism allows considerable movement and is difficult to release when operators wear thick protective gloves
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the cotter pin from the locking mechanism system entirely. Instead of using a separate cotter pin to secure the locking arm, the design integrates the security function directly into the locking arm structure itself, eliminating the need for the problematic cotter pin that was difficult to remove when wearing thick gloves
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a retaining clip as an intermediary component that secures the locking arm in the locked position. This retaining clip provides the necessary security while being designed to allow easy release by pulling the locking arm, solving both the security and ease of operation problems simultaneously
2Reliability
If a cotter pin is used to secure the locking mechanism, then the locking mechanism is maintained in a locked position, but the cotter pin allows considerable movement of the locking mechanism which may allow the hose to disconnect
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the cotter pin that allowed excessive movement and replaces it with a retaining clip that is specifically designed to minimize locking arm travel while maintaining security. The retaining clip engages with the locking arm in a way that prevents the considerable movement that occurred with the cotter pin configuration
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical parameters of the securing mechanism by replacing the loose-fitting cotter pin with a retaining clip that provides precise engagement. This changes the movement characteristics of the locking arm, reducing travel distance while maintaining the locked position security
3Reliability
If a cotter pin is used to secure the locking mechanism, then the locking mechanism is maintained in a locked position, but the cotter pin is easy to lose because it is usually not connected to the body of the coupling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the security function with the locking arm structure itself. The retaining clip is integrated into the coupling body, and the locking arm is designed to work directly with this integrated security mechanism. This eliminates the separate cotter pin that could be lost, as the security function is now combined with the main coupling components
Solution Approach 2:
The patent removes the loose cotter pin from the system entirely and replaces it with an integrated retaining clip mechanism that is permanently attached to the coupling body. This extraction of the loose component eliminates the risk of loss while maintaining the security function
Data Source
AI summary
A locking clip for use with a hose coupling is provided that includes a first member and a second member that grasp and maintain a locking arm of a locking mechanism commonly used in conjunction with hose couplings.