Hydraulic Coupling Sleeve with Two-Stage Locking and Valve Opening
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hydraulic coupling elements face challenges in reliability and ease of use, particularly in establishing a secure and efficient connection between a coupling sleeve and a coupling plug, especially under varying pressure conditions.
Innovation Solution
The coupling element features a sleeve inner body, pressure sleeve, and valve tappet that move through distinct positions to establish a mechanical connection and open fluid channels, utilizing a locking mechanism and restoring springs to ensure secure engagement and disengagement, independent of the pressure in the coupling plug, allowing for two-stage coupling and uncoupling processes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the coupling plug is inserted into the coupling sleeve with user applied force, then a positive connection is established, but the connection reliability is low and requires particular effort
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling process is segmented into two distinct stages: first establishing mechanical connection through form-fit engagement of the coupling plug and sleeve, then separately opening the flow channel through pressure-induced valve movement. This segmentation allows each stage to be optimized independently, improving overall reliability without increasing operational effort.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical connection is established in advance through form-fit engagement before the flow channel is opened. The coupling plug and sleeve are designed with complementary geometric features that create a secure mechanical bond immediately upon insertion, preparing the system for subsequent fluid flow without requiring additional force or effort.
2Reliability
If the flow channel is closed by the pressure sleeve and valve tappet in the coupled position, then pressure medium loss is prevented, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing function is merged with the existing mechanical connection structure. The pressure sleeve and valve tappet are integrated into the coupling sleeve assembly, and their movement to close the flow channel is coupled with the mechanical engagement process. This combination achieves reliable sealing without adding independent complex sealing mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the pressure medium itself to actuate the valve tappet and pressure sleeve, causing them to move and close the flow channel automatically when pressure is applied during coupling. This self-actuating mechanism eliminates the need for external actuators or complex control systems, maintaining simplicity while ensuring reliable sealing.
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 design enhances the reliability and ease of use by allowing the mechanical connection to be established without opening the valves initially, and the fluidic connection is opened only when necessary, ensuring secure sealing and efficient pressure management.
Implementation Method 1
A restoring means, in particular in the form of a spiral spring, preferably acts between the pressure sleeve and the inner body of the sleeve
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a coupling element (1), in particular a coupling sleeve, for a hydraulic coupling on a pressure medium line, comprising a housing (2), a sleeve inner body (3), a pressure casing (4) and a valve tappet (5), wherein the housing (2) has at least one flow channel (6) for a pressure medium and a coupling axis (A), wherein the sleeve inner body (3), the pressure casing (4) and the valve tappet (5) are retained such that they can shift along the coupling axis (A) within the housing (2), wherein: at least the sleeve inner body (3), the pressure casing (4) and the valve tappet (5) can be shifted, during a coupling process, out of a starting position, along the coupling axis (A) in a first direction (R1) and into the housing (2) into a coupling position, in which coupling position a coupling plug (7) can be secured to the coupling element (1) by means of a blocking means (8); at least the sleeve inner body (3), the pressure casing (4) and the valve tappet (5) can be shifted out of the coupling position in a second direction (R2) opposite the first direction (R1), along the coupling axis (A) into a stop position, in which stop position a further movement at least of the pressure casing (4) is blocked in the second direction (R2); and the sleeve inner body (3) and the valve tappet (4) can be moved further in the second direction (R2) into an open position, in which open position a flow cross-section (9) is released between the pressure casing (4) and the valve tappet (5), and in which open position a locking means (10) acts on the sleeve inner body (3) and the valve tappet (4).