Hydraulic Coupling Sleeve Axial Force Compensation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hydraulic coupling sleeves require significant manual force to couple and uncouple, especially under pressure, due to counteracting axial forces generated by internal fluid pressure, which can lead to leakage and operational difficulties.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a pressure sleeve acted upon by hydraulic fluid without generating significant axial forces, using a compression spring to maintain fluid closure and a sealed inner channel system with different sealing diameters to compensate for axial forces, allowing for manual coupling without relieving pressure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the pressure sleeve is acted upon from the inside with hydraulic fluid to be conveyed through the sleeve, then the fluid passage can be opened by axial movement of the pressure sleeve, but significant axial forces are generated that counteract the coupling process and require high manual force
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure sleeve is divided into multiple axially spaced sealing sections with different sealing diameters. Each sealing section has a sealing surface that interacts with the sleeve tappet at a different diameter, creating multiple separate sealing interfaces. This segmentation allows the hydraulic fluid pressure to act on different areas, generating axial forces that compensate for each other, thereby eliminating the net axial force that previously hindered coupling.
Solution Approach 2:
Different sealing sections of the pressure sleeve are designed with different sealing diameters and local geometries. The first sealing section has a different local structure than the second sealing section, creating varying interaction characteristics with the sleeve tappet. This local quality variation enables the system to maintain sealing while compensating for axial forces through the differential pressure areas.
2Productivity
If the pressure sleeve is moved axially to open the fluid passage, then hydraulic fluid can flow to the coupled plug, but leakage may occur before secure locking is achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The securing elements are designed to engage in the annular groove of the plug housing before the pressure sleeve is axially displaced to open the fluid passage. The coupling process is sequenced so that mechanical locking occurs first, establishing a secure connection, and only afterward does the pressure sleeve move to enable fluid flow. This preliminary action ensures that the connection is secure before hydraulic fluid is allowed to pass.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates a controlled sequence where the securing elements provide mechanical support and positioning before the pressure sleeve begins its axial movement. This preparatory positioning ensures that the pressure sleeve moves in a controlled manner along a defined path, preventing premature leakage while maintaining readiness for fluid flow once locking is achieved.
3Reliability
If the pressure sleeve generates axial forces under hydraulic fluid pressure, then the fluid passage can be controlled, but manual coupling becomes difficult or impossible without pressure relief
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure sleeve is designed with multiple sealing sections that create opposing axial forces under hydraulic pressure. The first sealing section generates an axial force in one direction while the second sealing section generates an opposing axial force. These counterbalancing forces compensate for each other, resulting in minimal net axial force on the pressure sleeve, thereby enabling manual coupling without requiring pressure relief.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of designing the pressure sleeve to generate a single dominant axial force for fluid passage control, the invention inverts the approach by creating multiple sealing sections that generate opposing forces. The fluid passage control is achieved not through a net axial force but through the localized pressure areas created by the different sealing diameters, allowing the sleeve to remain relatively stationary while still controlling fluid flow.
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 effortless coupling and uncoupling of hydraulic components with minimal manual force, preventing leakage and allowing operation under pressure without fluid pressure counterforces, thus simplifying the process and enhancing safety.
Implementation Method 1
a compression spring to maintain fluid closure and a sealed inner channel system with different sealing diameters to compensate for axial forces
Implementation Method 2
the pressure sleeve is acted upon by hydraulic fluid without generating significant axial forces
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention relates to a hydraulic coupling sleeve (1) with a sleeve housing (4), in particular a sleeve-shaped sleeve housing (4), in which a sleeve plunger (12), an axially movable pressure sleeve (13) surrounding this sleeve plunger (12) in an axially parallel, in particular coaxial, manner, and an axially movable retaining sleeve (16) surrounding the pressure sleeve (13) in an axially parallel, in particular coaxial, manner are arranged, the outer surface of which supports or releases locking elements (18) arranged in the sleeve housing (4) in a radial direction, and the particularly annular contact surface (16a) of which lies at least substantially in one plane with the end faces (12a) of the sleeve plunger (12) and the sleeve housing (4) in the uncoupled state, wherein the sleeve plunger (12) is attached to an inner piston (11) arranged in the sleeve housing (4) and is axially displaceable, and together with which it is axially movable,wherein, starting from the uncoupled state, the assembly consisting of sleeve plunger (12), inner piston (11) and pressure sleeve (13) is axially displaceable in its entirety into the interior of the sleeve housing (4) up to an end position in which a hydraulic coupling plug (2) can be locked to the hydraulic coupling sleeve (1) via the locking elements (18) and from the end position, the assembly consisting of sleeve plunger (12), inner piston (11) and pressure sleeve (13) is initially retractable up to a stop position in which the pressure sleeve (13) is axially fixed against a stop (13b) and, starting from the stop position, only the sleeve plunger (12) and inner piston (11) can be further retracted, at least until a fluid passage is opened,in particular until the end face (12a) of the sleeve plunger (12) is arranged in one plane with the end face of the sleeve housing (4). The invention further relates to a method for coupling a hydraulic coupling plug (2) to a hydraulic coupling sleeve (1).