Pivoted Pipe Coupler Locking Structure to Eliminate Wear
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing push type locking structures for pipe couplers suffer from frictional contact and excessive wear between the locking member and the pipes, leading to hindered smooth operation and potential damage over time.
Innovation Solution
A push type locking structure for pipe couplers that includes a coupling pipe, a push member, a push retaining member, and a spring, where the push member is pivotally connected to the coupling pipe and the push retaining member, allowing for smooth radial movement and eliminating direct frictional contact.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the locking member is designed as an integrally formed inverted-L shaped member with the elastic element disposed between the operating section and the female coupler shell, then the locking structure can be simplified and manufactured easily, but the vertical inserting section moves synchronously downward with radial bias causing frictional contact and excessive wear between the inserting section and the mounting hole
Solution Approach 1:
The locking member is divided into two separate components: a locking portion (vertical inserting section) and an operating portion (horizontal operating section), connected through a pivot connection. This segmentation allows each part to perform its specific function independently, eliminating the radial bias and frictional contact that occurred in the integrated design while maintaining manufacturing simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
A pivot connection serves as an intermediary mechanism between the operating portion and the locking portion. This pivot connection acts as a mediator that transforms the downward pushing motion into pure vertical linear motion, eliminating the radial bias that caused friction and wear in the mounting hole while maintaining the ease of operation.
2Ease of operation
If the horizontal operating section is pushed downward to unlock the couplers, then the locking member can be operated to disconnect pipes, but the external force causes the vertical inserting section to move radially biased leading to frictional contact and wear
Solution Approach 1:
The locking member transitions from a static integrated structure to a dynamic system where the operating portion and locking portion can move relative to each other through the pivot connection. This dynamic design allows the operating portion to rotate about the pivot point, converting the pushing force into pure vertical linear motion of the locking portion, thereby eliminating radial bias and frictional contact while maintaining ease of operation.
3Productivity
If the locking member is pushed frequently to lock or unlock couplers, then the pipes can be connected and disconnected as needed, but the repeated frictional contact and radial bias cause the inserting section to become bent or broken
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the locking member into separate locking and operating portions connected via a pivot, the design eliminates the radial bias that caused bending and breaking during repeated operations. Each segment performs its specific function independently, allowing frequent locking and unlocking operations without compromising the structural integrity and strength of the components.
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 proposed locking structure enables smooth and reliable connection and disconnection of pipes without causing excessive wear, ensuring enhanced operational reliability and reduced maintenance costs.
Implementation Method 1
a spring (50) having two ends thereof elastically pressed against a bottom side of the push member (40) and a bottom of the recess (33), respectively
Data Source
AI summary
A push type locking structure for pipe couplers includes a coupling pipe externally provided with a recess having a pair of pipe pivotal holes formed on two side walls thereof and having a radially penetrated receiving hole formed at a first end thereof to communicate with a passage defined in the coupling pipe; a push member including a pair of first pivotal connection sections and a second pivotal connection section; a hollow push retaining member received in the receiving hole on the coupling pipe; and a spring disposed between the recess and the push member. The push member is pivotally connected to the push retaining member and the coupling pipe by two shafts extending through the first and the second pivotal connection section. When the push member is pushed downward, the push retaining member is moved upward radially to unlock a pipe from the coupling pipe to move axially.