Irrigation Hose Quick Coupling with Bushing-Stabilized Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing quick coupling kits for irrigation hoses experience a reduction in locking efficiency over time due to radial forces and coupling cycles, leading to potential uncoupling during fluid passage, as the elastic plates deform and reduce the opposing force.
Innovation Solution
The kit incorporates a bushing with through openings and an annular narrowing mechanism that pre-loads and stabilizes the elastically yieldable plates, ensuring a stable locking mechanism with high axial and radial resistance by guiding the plates' movement and maintaining contact with the connector, preventing deformation and maintaining the locking force.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If elastic plates are used for locking the connector, then quick coupling is achieved, but locking efficiency reduces over time due to plastic deformation from radial forces and coupling cycles
Solution Approach 1:
A bushing with an annular narrowing is introduced as an intermediary element between the elastic plates and the connector. The narrowing pre-loads the plates and guides their movement, preventing direct plastic deformation from radial forces while maintaining the quick coupling function
Solution Approach 2:
The annular narrowing of the bushing pre-loads the elastic plates during assembly, positioning them in a predetermined state before the connector is fully inserted. This preliminary action ensures the plates are properly tensioned and guided, preventing deformation during operation
2Ease of operation
If the sleeve slides axially to release the connector, then uncoupling is achieved, but the plates deform and reduce opposing force leading to uncoupling during fluid passage
Solution Approach 1:
The bushing acts as a mediator that guides the elastic plates during both coupling and uncoupling movements. The annular narrowing ensures the plates follow a controlled path, preventing lateral deformation that would reduce their opposing force during fluid passage
3Productivity
If radial forces from fluid pressure are applied, then fluid passage is enabled, but significant radial forces cause plastic deformation of the plates
Solution Approach 1:
The bushing with annular narrowing serves as a protective intermediary that shields the elastic plates from direct exposure to radial forces generated during fluid passage. The narrowing guides and constrains the plates, distributing forces evenly and preventing plastic deformation while allowing full 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
This design maintains a consistent and secure locking between the male and female bodies throughout the fluid flow, enhancing safety and reliability while maintaining the same dimensions and cost as previous designs.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of elastically yieldable plates (9) for locking, in use, the connector (3) inside the housing seat (8)
Implementation Method 2
The sleeve (6) is slidable axially in both directions relative to the inner tubular body (7)
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
A quick coupling joining kit for irrigation hoses, the kit (1) comprising a male body (2) having a first axis (X2) of longitudinal extension and comprising a protruding cylindrical portion or connector (3) with an end head (4) having a diameter (D4) larger than the diameter (D3) of the remaining portion of the connector (3) and a female body (5), having a second axis (X5) of longitudinal extension, and comprising a sleeve (6) surrounding an inner tubular body (7) having a stable housing seat (8) for the connector (3) of the male body (2); the sleeve (6) being equipped, internally, with a plurality of plates (9) elastically yieldable for locking, in use, the connector (3) inside the housing seat (8); each plate (9) having an extension at an angle to the second axis (X5) of longitudinal extension to define a partial narrowing of the seat (8) for housing the connector (3); each plate (9) having the relative free end head (9a) facing towards a zone (Z1) for entrance of the connector (3) into the female body (5); the sleeve (6) being slidable axially in both directions with respect to the inner tubular body (7) and parallel to the second axis (X5) of longitudinal extension between at least a first advanced position for locking the connector (3) housed in the housing seat (8), with the heads (9a) of the plates (9) in contact and contrasting with the connector (3), and a second backwards position for releasing the connector (3) from the housing seat (8) wherein the heads (9a) of the plates (9) are moved away from the connector (3);characterised in that the female body (5) comprises a bushing (10) defining an extension of the inner tubular body (7) and protruding in the proximity of the zone (Z1) for entrance of the connector (3); the bushing (10) having a plurality of through openings (10a) inside each of which is engaged at least the head (9a) of a corresponding plate (9); the bushing (10) having an annular narrowing for contact with the head (9a) of each plate (9); the annular narrowing being configured in such a way as to guide the movement of the plates (9) and of the sleeve (6) between a third intermediate partly backwards position of the sleeve (6), at the entrance of the connector (3), with the head (9a) of the plates (9) at least partly above the openings (10a) of the bushing (10), and the first advanced position for locking the sleeve (6), at the housing seat of the connector (3), with the head (9a) of the plates stably interposed between the connector (3) and the annular narrowing of the bushing (10).