Hydraulic Quick Coupling External Screw Locking Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hydraulic quick couplings with integrated closing valves are not suitable for applications involving high pressures, pressure pulsations, and strong hydraulic flows, as they can damage seals and experience uncontrolled valve movements, and their locking mechanisms are limited by design to certain maximum pressures.
Innovation Solution
The locking mechanism is redesigned as an external screw connection with a rotatable union screw sleeve and internal thread, featuring rectangular or trapezoidal threads and a cone-like reinforcement area, providing a high holding force to withstand high pressures and pressure pulsations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If locking means are designed as locking ball lock, then coupling parts can be quickly connected and disconnected, but maximum pressure is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism transitions from a ball lock design to a screw connection design, fundamentally changing the locking parameter from spherical engagement to threaded engagement. This allows the coupling to withstand higher pressures (500 bar and more) while maintaining quick coupling capability, as the screw connection provides superior holding force under high pressure conditions.
2Reliability
If elastic ring seals are used on conical valve bodies, then sealing is achieved, but seals are damaged or torn out under strong hydraulic flows
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a buffer chamber and buffer element that absorb and dampen the impact of strong hydraulic flows before they reach the elastic ring seals. This cushioning mechanism protects the seals from being washed out or damaged by high-velocity fluid streams, maintaining sealing reliability under extreme flow conditions.
3Reliability
If closing valves are designed with spring force, then valves automatically close to prevent leakage, but pressure pulsations cause uncontrolled axial valve movements
Solution Approach 1:
A buffer chamber with a buffer element is introduced to dampen pressure pulsations before they affect the closing valves. This cushioning system absorbs pressure shocks and stabilizes the axial position of the valve bodies, preventing fluttering movements while maintaining the automatic closing function for leakage prevention.
4Stress or pressure
If ball shut-off valves are used on both sides of separation point, then high pressure and strong flows are handled, but component outlay and coupling process complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functions of multiple ball shut-off valves into a single integrated closing valve system within each coupling part. The valve body with integrated sealing elements and spring mechanism combines the functions of isolation and flow control that would otherwise require separate components, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining high-pressure and high-flow handling capability.
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 configuration ensures reliable operation under high pressures and strong pressure pulsations without damage or separation of coupling parts, enabling secure and efficient connection and disconnection of hydraulic lines.
Implementation Method 1
each closing valve with a closed position generated by spring force within a housing
Implementation Method 2
the valve body being displaced axially from its closed position against the spring force into the respective housing into an open position that opens the respective flow opening
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~8
AI summary
The quick coupling device (1) comprises two coupling portions, particularly a plug portion (2) and a sleeve portion (4). The plug portion has a plug shaft (6), which is inserted into a receiving opening (10) of the sleeve portion in the direction of a coupling axis (8) by proper sealing. The coupling portions are detachably locked together in the coupling position by a locking unit (16). A sealing protection element (32) is provided, which is arranged in each of the two coupling portions. The locking unit is formed as outer screw connection.