Internal Slide-Lock Quick Coupling for Mis-Latch Prevention
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional quick couplings with push-to-connect locking mechanisms in breathing apparatus systems can experience mis-latch issues due to the cocking ring pushing the locking sleeve forward, leading to a failure in connection, which is dangerous in buddy breather systems.
Innovation Solution
The enhanced quick coupling design includes a slider and locking sleeve with recesses that allow the nipple to pass by the locking balls during connection and disconnection, eliminating the need for a cocking ring and preventing mis-latch by positioning the locking balls radially inward, ensuring a secure connection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a cocking ring is used to hold locking balls against the locking sleeve, then the locking mechanism can maintain the locking balls in position, but the cocking ring may be pushed back under the locking balls causing the locking sleeve to slide forward and creating a mis-latch condition
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the cocking ring from the locking mechanism, replacing it with a simplified design where the locking balls are directly actuated by the nipple insertion without an intermediate cocking ring component. This eliminates the mis-latch condition caused by the cocking ring being pushed back while maintaining reliable locking through direct ball engagement with the locking sleeve.
2Reliability
If the locking sleeve is spring loaded and pushed back to permit locking balls to fall into a locking groove, then the connection can be held secure, but the sleeve may move during connection causing the locking balls to slip radially inward and create a mis-latch
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using a spring-loaded locking sleeve that moves radially to engage locking balls, the patent inverts the approach by having the locking sleeve remain stationary with radially inward-facing surfaces that directly engage the locking balls. The locking action is achieved by the nipple insertion pushing the balls radially outward against the stationary sleeve, eliminating sleeve movement and the associated mis-latch risk.
3Reliability
If multiple components including cocking ring and locking sleeve are used, then the locking mechanism can provide secure connection, but the configuration increases the potential for mis-latch and reduces safety
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates the cocking ring component entirely, reducing the number of parts in the locking mechanism. The simplified design uses only the essential locking sleeve and locking balls, with the nipple insertion directly actuating the locking action. This component reduction removes potential failure points while maintaining secure connection reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the functions of the cocking ring and locking sleeve into a single integrated locking sleeve design. The locking sleeve directly performs both the locking ball engagement and the positioning functions that were previously separated into distinct components, simplifying the overall mechanism while maintaining its locking functionality.
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 a reliable and safe connection by preventing mis-latch, maintaining the connection when the locking balls are in the radially inward position, and simplifying the operation by eliminating the need for a cocking ring, thereby enhancing the safety and effectiveness of the breathing apparatus system.
Implementation Method 1
insertion of the nipple operates to push on a spring loaded valve to open the valve to permit the flow of air
Implementation Method 2
An outer ring-shaped or annular locking sleeve is spring loaded and pushed back permitting a plurality of locking balls to fall into a locking groove on the nipple to hold the connection
Implementation Method 3
When the user releases the nipple, thereby removing the insertion force, a valve spring pushes the valve, interface seal, and nipple back against the locking balls to provide a secure connection
Data Source
AI summary
A coupler assembly includes a valve with a locking ball locking mechanism and a locking sleeve interacting with the locking balls to lock the valve in the connected position. A slider is positioned radially between the ball body and the locking sleeve, and longitudinally inward relative to the locking balls. During a connection operation to a nipple, the slider is moveable along the ball body to permit movement of the locking balls into an inner recess defined by the locking sleeve as the valve moves toward the connected position. The slider is biased to return to the first slider position. During a disconnection operation, the locking sleeve is moved to a second sleeve position. As the nipple moves longitudinally outward, a surface of a locking shoulder of the nipple moves the locking balls into an outer recess of the locking sleeve to permit removal of the nipple.