Monobloc Quick Coupling With Captive Pusher for Additive Manufacturing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing quick-coupling elements for fluid pipes require multiple parts due to small orifices at the ends, limiting the application of additive manufacturing techniques and preventing a sliding part from being housed inside the body.
Innovation Solution
A monobloc body with a pusher that moves along a longitudinal axis, guided by radial surfaces, allowing for additive manufacturing without hindrance to the production of radial guiding surfaces, and incorporating a pusher that can be moved to a reference position during manufacturing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple parts are used to house sliding components, then the coupling element can accommodate internal sliding parts, but the device complexity increases and additive manufacturing cannot be applied
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the body and the pusher into a single integrated component manufactured by additive manufacturing. The body includes an internal cavity that houses the pusher, eliminating the need for separate assembly steps while maintaining the sliding functionality. This combining approach resolves the contradiction by reducing part count and enabling additive manufacturing while preserving the ability to accommodate sliding components.
2Ease of manufacture
If additive manufacturing is used, then the manufacturing process is simplified, but the small orifices at the ends prevent the fitting of sliding parts inside the body
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by designing the pusher to be manufactured at a reduced scale (70-90% of final size) during additive manufacturing. This allows the pusher to fit through the small orifices of the body during the manufacturing process. After manufacturing, the pusher is enlarged to its final dimensions, achieving both additive manufacturing simplicity and the required functional dimensions for sliding parts.
3Manufacturing precision
If the pusher is manufactured at full size, then the radial guiding surfaces can be precisely defined, but the pusher cannot be inserted into the body through small orifices
Solution Approach 1:
The pusher is manufactured at a reduced scale (70-90% of final size) during additive manufacturing, allowing it to be easily inserted into the body through small orifices. After insertion, the pusher is enlarged to its final dimensions through controlled expansion, ensuring that the radial guiding surfaces achieve the required precision for proper engagement and sliding operation.
Data Source
AI summary
A quick-coupling element including a body and a pusher captive and movable within the monobloc body. The body is provided with at least one inner radial guiding surface. The pusher is provided with at least one outer radial guiding surface which cooperates with the inner radial guiding surface. Sections of a proximal opening and of a distal mouth of the body have maximum dimensions less than a radial size of the pusher. The pusher is movable, in an internal volume of the body, to a reference position, wherein the outer radial surface of the pusher is disengaged from any inner radial surface of the body, and vice versa.