Pipe Coupling Locking Confirmation Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pipe coupling apparatuses lack a reliable method to ensure that sockets and plugs are properly locked and connected, which can lead to unsafe fluid flow operations.
Innovation Solution
A pipe coupling apparatus with locking devices and a confirmation mechanism that ensures all plugs and sockets are securely locked before allowing fluid flow, featuring a locking completion member, an urging device, and a confirmation member that indicates the locking status, preventing fluid flow if any connection is incomplete.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a pipe coupling apparatus uses multiple sockets and plugs that are coupled together with a coupler, then the coupling efficiency is improved, but there is no reliable method to ensure that all sockets and plugs are properly locked and connected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism through confirmation members that provide visual or tactile signals indicating whether each socket and plug is properly locked. The confirmation members are positioned to be accessible after coupling, allowing operators to verify the locked state of all connections before proceeding with fluid flow operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces confirmation members as intermediary elements between the locking mechanism and the operator. These confirmation members translate the internal locked state into an observable external signal, enabling reliable verification without requiring disassembly or complex inspection procedures.
2Device complexity
If the pipe coupling apparatus lacks a confirmation mechanism, then the device complexity is reduced, but unsafe fluid flow operations may occur due to incomplete locking
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs color changes or visual indicators on the confirmation members to clearly distinguish between locked and unlocked states. This allows operators to quickly assess connection status without complex instrumentation, maintaining simplicity while ensuring safety through intuitive visual feedback.
Solution Approach 2:
The confirmation members are designed to automatically indicate the locking status without requiring additional active components or external power sources. The mechanism self-activates based on the locked/unlocked state, providing safety verification through passive mechanical indicators that reduce overall system complexity.
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
Ensures safe operation by confirming complete locking of all plugs and sockets before allowing fluid flow, preventing accidents and ensuring proper connection status visibility.
Implementation Method 1
an urging device that moves the locking completion member toward the locking completion position when the plug reaches the connecting position where the plug is to be connected with the corresponding socket
Data Source
AI summary
A pipe coupling apparatus for simultaneously connecting and locking together pipe couplings comprising a plurality of sockets and plugs. The pipe coupling apparatus includes a socket-side unit having a plurality of sockets and a plug-side unit having a plurality of plugs. Each socket is provided with locking elements, and each plug is provided with an engagement groove. When the plug is inserted into the socket, the locking elements enter the engagement groove. A sleeve is provided displaceably between a locking completion position where it holds the locking elements from coming out of the engagement groove to lock the socket and the plug to each other and a retracted position separated from the locking completion position. A locking confirmation plate is displaceable from a locking unconfirmed position to a locking confirmed position when all the sleeves are at the locking completion position, thereby allowing confirmation of the completion of locking.