Hose Coupling Locking Pawl Design for Pressure Relief
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing quick couplings with pressure relief function often require multiple locking bodies, leading to complexity, reduced strength, and increased manufacturing costs due to multiple components and grooves, which complicates achieving reliable locking and pressure relief positions.
Innovation Solution
Combining two pairs of locking bodies into a single pair of locking pawls, allowing for a simpler design with fewer grooves and components, enhancing strength and manufacturing efficiency while maintaining dual locking and pressure relief functions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If two pairs of locking bodies are used to achieve locking and pressure relief functions, then the coupling can maintain reliable locking positions, but the device complexity increases and the strength of individual locking components decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines two separate locking bodies into a single locking body that performs both locking and pressure relief functions. This merging reduces the number of components from four locking bodies to one, simplifying the device structure while maintaining the dual functionality of securing the coupling in both locked and pressure relief positions
Solution Approach 2:
The single locking body is designed with multi-functionality, capable of securing the coupling in both the normal locked position and the pressure relief position. This universal component replaces the need for separate locking bodies for each function, reducing complexity while ensuring reliable operation in both modes
2Reliability
If four locking bodies are used in the coupling, then both locking and pressure relief positions can be secured, but the manufacturing complexity and cost increase due to more components and grooves
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges four separate locking bodies into a single integrated locking body, reducing the number of grooves required in the female coupling from four to two. This significantly simplifies the manufacturing process, reduces machining operations, and lowers production costs while maintaining the capability to secure both locked and pressure relief positions
3Reliability
If multiple locking bodies are used, then the coupling can provide pressure relief function, but the overall strength of the coupling decreases due to more components and fewer grooves
Solution Approach 1:
By combining multiple locking bodies into a single robust locking body, the patent increases the overall strength of the coupling structure. The reduced number of grooves (from four to two) in the female coupling enhances the structural integrity and strength of the coupling body, while the single locking body can be designed with larger cross-section and greater material volume for improved mechanical strength
4Adaptability or versatility
If two pairs of locking bodies are used, then the coupling can achieve dual locking functions, but the number of components increases reducing the reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple locking bodies into a single reliable locking body, reducing the total number of components in the coupling system. Fewer components mean fewer potential failure points, fewer interfaces that could wear or malfunction, and simplified assembly, all of which enhance the overall reliability of the coupling while maintaining dual locking 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
This solution increases the strength and reliability of the coupling by allowing larger locking pawls and reducing components, simplifying manufacturing and achieving the same functional outcomes with fewer parts, thereby enhancing the overall performance and ease of assembly.
Implementation Method 1
the spring-loaded sleeve (2) is pushed backwards (fig.13), the internal circumferential groove (8a in fig. 8, 9a in fig. 9b, 13d in fig. 13) in the sleeve (2) allows the locking pawl (5a) to go out of the locking position (13a in fig.13) and glide to a pressure relief position
Implementation Method 2
the locking pawl (5a) comes into an interacting position with the nipple (3) because of the narrowing axial groove (6c in fig. 6) in the female part (1) forcing down the fore part wings (5e in fig. 5) of the locking pawl (5a) into a circumferential groove (10b in fig 10) in the nipple (3)
Data Source
Figure 1~8
Figure 9a~12
Figure 13~16
AI summary
Hose coupling incorporates male part and a female part being provided with means which in corporation with a slide axially displaceable sleeve on the female part renders possible pressure relief at disconnection. This means in the coupling is constituted by an angular locking pawl one portion of which is insert able in an axial groove in the female part and has such length that always at least some part thereof is surrounded by the sleeve. The other inwardly directed part of the locking pawl has such length that it extends into the groove of the male part when the locking pawl is influenced by the sleeve. The locking pawl is a combined means, to lock the male part when the coupling is connected and lock the male part in an alternative position when it's pressure relieved.