Inclined Memory Element Compact Female Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing quick coupling technologies for high-pressure fluid pipes are not compact enough for integration in congested environments and fail to provide a reliable connection in vibrating conditions due to stress-induced unhooking of locking mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A compact female coupling element with radially movable locking members and an inclined memory element that reduces travel distance, allowing for secure locking and easy maneuverability, along with a locking ring that maintains locking members in position, enhancing axial and radial compactness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the memory element moves parallel to the coupling axis (as in prior art), then the locking mechanism is simple, but the coupling lacks compactness and requires significant axial space
Solution Approach 1:
The memory element's movement axis is inclined relative to the central coupling axis, transforming a one-dimensional axial movement into a two-dimensional oblique movement. This dimensional change allows the memory element to achieve its locking function while occupying less axial space, thereby improving compactness without significantly increasing complexity
2Reliability
If locking members are held in locked position by a locking ring, then connection reliability is improved, but the structure becomes more complex and less maneuverable in confined spaces
Solution Approach 1:
The locking ring is integrated with the female body through radial openings, merging the locking retention function into the existing structural framework. This combination allows the locking ring to maintain locking members in the locked position while avoiding the need for completely separate, space-consuming components, thus improving reliability without proportionally increasing structural complexity
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
The solution enables secure and reliable connections in high-pressure applications while allowing for easy integration in confined spaces and improved handling, reducing the risk of unlocking due to vibrations.
Implementation Method 1
at least one memory element, movable along a movement axis between a distal position, in which it opposes the movement of a locking member from the unlocked position to the locked position, and a proximal position, in which it does not oppose the movement of the locking member from the unlocked position toward the locked position
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a female quick coupling element (200) comprising a hollow female body (204) defining a central axis (X200), locking members (208), each locking member being radially movable inside a corresponding radial opening (204.1) of the female body between a locked position and an unlocked position, at least one memory element (206), movable along a movement axis (D206) between a distal position, in which it opposes the movement of a locking member from the unlocked position to the locked position, and a proximal position, and a locking ring (218), which is axially movable between a forward position, in which it keeps the locking members in the locked position, and a withdrawn position. Each memory element (206) is received in a housing defined in the thickness of the body. Each memory element (206) is, in the distal position, closer to the central axis (X200) than the locking members (208) are in the unlocked position, and the movement axis (D206) of each memory element is inclined relative to the central axis (X200) of the female body.