Magnetic Breakaway Hose Coupling for Consistent Separation Force
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing breakaway couplings for flexible fuel supply hoses face issues with inconsistent tension force for separation and reconnection, wear from hydraulic shocks, and require frequent maintenance due to the use of shear pins or annular coil springs.
Innovation Solution
A magnetic coupling system using circumferentially spaced rare earth magnets provides a consistent and strong attraction force to separate and reconnect the coupler bodies, eliminating the need for shear pins or coil springs, with protective covers to shield the magnets.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If shear pins or annular coil springs are used to connect coupler bodies, then the connection can be releasable, but the tension force required for separation varies and wear occurs from hydraulic shocks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical spring-based connection system with a magnetic field-based connection system. The magnetic coupling provides a consistent holding force without the wear and force variation inherent in mechanical spring systems, directly resolving the contradiction between connection reliability and separation force consistency.
2Adaptability or versatility
If annular coil springs are used to connect coupler bodies, then reconnection is permitted, but significant axial compression force is required and periodic maintenance is needed
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic connection system eliminates the need for periodic maintenance of mechanical springs while maintaining reconnection capability. The magnetic field continuously provides holding force without degradation, and reconnection simply requires bringing the coupler bodies back together, significantly reducing maintenance time and effort.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If hydraulic line shock is absorbed by shear pins or coil springs, then the coupling protects from damage, but wear reduces tension force and requires periodic maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic connection system is inherently resistant to wear from hydraulic shocks, maintaining consistent connection force over time. The magnetic field does not degrade mechanically like springs or pins, eliminating the need for periodic maintenance while continuing to protect against hydraulic line shock.
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 magnetic coupling system ensures a uniform and constant tension force for separation, reduces wear, and simplifies reconnection, maintaining a strong connection without the need for frequent maintenance.
Implementation Method 1
a magnetic coupling system which includes a permanent magnet system that mounts on one coupler body around the fuel supply passage and provides a magnetic field
Implementation Method 2
the magnet system includes circumferentially spaced magnets formed of rare earth materials... providing a consistent and strong attraction force
Data Source
AI summary
A breakaway coupling for a fuel supply hose includes a male valve body interfitting with a female valve body for defining a fuel passage, and the valve bodies enclose axially movable spring biased poppet valve members. The valve bodies are connected by a permanent magnetic coupling system which provides for moving the valve bodies from a connected position to a disconnected position in response to a substantial axial tension force on the valve bodies. In one embodiment, the coupling system includes an annular strike member surrounding the fuel passage and a mating annular magnet member supporting a plurality of circumferentially spaced permanent magnets of rare earth materials. In another embodiment, the valve bodies define a vapor return passage with a poppet valve member and disposed either radially outboard or inboard of the fuel passage. The magnetic coupling system also simplifies reconnecting the valve bodies.