Misalignment-Tolerant Pipe Coupling for Yarn Suction Lines
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing coupling devices face difficulties in coupling when the axes of the male and female couplers are not parallel, leading to potential clogging issues, especially in yarn sucking systems where yarns can get caught or clogged due to valve structures or narrow passages.
Innovation Solution
A coupling device design featuring a first and second coupler with a cylindrical ring member, seal ring, and bias mechanism, where the ring member is biased towards the first coupler, allowing for adjustable attitude to ensure contact and communication between the couplers' passages, even if their axes are not parallel, and includes a retainer and seal member to prevent clogging and improve coupling precision.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a valve is provided in the passage to close the passage when couplers are decoupled, then sealing performance is improved, but yarn clogging occurs and passage becomes narrow
Solution Approach 1:
The invention removes the valve component from the passage entirely. Instead of using a valve to close the passage, the design relies on the natural separation of coupler bodies when decoupled, eliminating the source of yarn clogging while maintaining sealing through the engagement geometry of the couplers themselves
Solution Approach 2:
The passage is segmented into two separate coupler bodies (first coupler and second coupler) that connect when engaged. Each coupler has its own passage that aligns with the other, eliminating the need for a single narrow passage with a valve while maintaining the ability to seal when connected
2Adaptability or versatility
If the axis of the male coupler is not parallel to the axis of the female coupler, then adaptability to misalignment is improved, but coupling difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The ring member is designed to be rotatable relative to the second coupler body, allowing it to dynamically adjust its orientation during the coupling process. This rotational freedom enables the system to accommodate misalignment between coupler axes while maintaining the ability to form a proper seal when engaged
Solution Approach 2:
The ring member acts as an intermediary element between the first and second couplers. It provides a sealing surface that can adapt to angular misalignment while facilitating the coupling process, serving as a mediator that resolves the geometric incompatibility between non-parallel coupler axes
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 enables smooth passage of yarns or fluids through the couplers, reduces the likelihood of clogging, and allows for reliable coupling even when axes are not parallel, enhancing the usability in yarn sucking systems by maintaining airtightness and preventing yarn or fluid accumulation.
Implementation Method 1
a bias mechanism, wherein the ring member is biased toward the first cylinder body by the bias mechanism
Data Source
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AI summary
To provide a coupling device suitable for arrangement in a pipe connected to a yarn sucking device and capable of coupling paired couplers if axes of the couplers are not parallel to each other. A first coupler 83 includes a first cylinder body 91. A second coupler 84 includes a second cylinder body 92 facing the first cylinder body 91, a cylindrical ring member 93 engaged on an outer side of the second cylinder body 92 with a gap, and movable in an axial direction of the second cylinder body 92, a seal ring 95 arranged between the second cylinder body 92 and the ring member 93, and a bias mechanism 96 biasing the ring member 93 toward the first cylinder body 91. A ring member 94 is provided on an end face of the first cylinder body 91. One coupler 84 is moved toward the other coupler 83, and an end face of the ring member 93 contacts the end face of the first cylinder body 91 via the sealing member 94, whereby an inner passage of the first cylinder body 91 is brought into communication with an inner passage of the second cylinder body 92.