Hose Coupling Locking Assembly for Leak-Safe Thread Access
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for connecting hose couplings in the oil and gas industry face issues where locking devices prevent access to the threading of nuts once connected, making it impossible to adjust or repair connections without complete dismantling, leading to potential leaks and damage.
Innovation Solution
A system with a locking device that interlocks hose coupling nipples instead of revolving nuts, allowing for easy assembly and dismantling while maintaining the seal, and enabling access to the nuts without removing the locking device, using polygonal revolving nipples and a central locking mechanism with annular bodies and support plates to secure the connection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a locking device is used to interlock hose coupling nipples to prevent rotation and leakage, then connection reliability is improved, but accessibility to the threading of nuts deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The locking device is segmented into multiple independent locking elements (first locking element, second locking element, third locking element) that can be individually accessed and manipulated. This segmentation allows maintenance personnel to access and work on specific threading components without removing the entire locking device, thereby maintaining connection reliability while improving repair accessibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking device acts as an intermediary mechanism between the hose coupling nipples and the connector. It provides rotational locking functionality while allowing controlled access to the threading components through its structured design with multiple locking elements, enabling maintenance without complete disassembly.
2Stability of the object's composition
If a locking device completely secures hose couplings to prevent any movement, then connection stability is improved, but ease of adjustment deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The locking device employs a dynamic design where locking elements can be selectively engaged or disengaged. The first, second, and third locking elements can be independently manipulated to allow adjustment when needed, while providing stable locking during normal operation. This dynamic capability enables easy adjustment without compromising connection stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking device is designed with preliminary positioning features that guide the hose coupling nipples into correct alignment before final locking. The structured arrangement of locking elements provides preliminary stabilization, allowing easy adjustment during installation while ensuring stable connection during service.
3Reliability
If hose couplings are fully locked to prevent rotation under pressure, then prevention of fluid leakage is improved, but maintainability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The locking device is divided into separate locking elements (first, second, and third locking elements) that can be independently accessed and maintained. This segmentation allows maintenance personnel to service specific components without removing the entire locking device, improving maintainability while maintaining leak prevention through the coordinated action of all locking elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking device design allows individual locking elements to be independently removed, inspected, and recovered. If a specific locking element becomes worn or damaged, it can be replaced without discarding or removing the entire locking device, thereby improving maintainability while preserving the overall leak prevention functionality.
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4~5
Figure 6a~6b
AI summary
SUMMARY A system for connecting a first (101') and second (101") hose coupling, each comprising a respective first (105') and second (105") hose body, respectively having a first (106') and second (106") enlarged section integrated therewith, and a first (107') and second (107") mobile fixing section in relation to the hose bodies (105', 105"), the system also comprising an intermediary connector (200) comprising a central section (202) and a first (201') and second (201") lateral portion each connecting to a respective fixing section (107', 107"), and a locking device (1) with a body (2) having a first (3') and second (3") locking section coupling with a respective enlarged section (106', 106") of the couplings (101', 101"), and a central locking section (4) coupling with the central section of the connector (202). A respective method for connecting a first (101') and a second (101") hose coupling is also described.