Quick Pipe Coupling With Radial Clamping for High-Pressure Release
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current quick couplings for pipes are prone to rapid deterioration, are slow to fasten and unfasten, unstable under pressure, and lack interchangeability, with complex and costly manufacturing processes due to specific shapes like undercuts.
Innovation Solution
A quick coupling design featuring a cylindrical intake and joint with a sealing element that moves radially to form a clamping or release position, using an extractor to transition between these positions without undercuts, allowing easy assembly and disassembly, and featuring a simplified structure to withstand high pressures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If forcing fastening is used with conical elements and nuts, then the connection becomes secure, but the fastening and unfastening operations become slow and require special tools
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the fastening function from complex threaded connections and special tools, replacing it with a simplified cam-actuated clamping mechanism. The cam lever (33) directly engages with clamping elements (14, 15) to secure the joint, eliminating the need for nuts, conical elements, and special fastening tools, thereby reducing operation time while maintaining connection security.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using threads that require rotational movement and special tools for fastening, the patent inverts the approach by using a cam mechanism where a simple linear or angular movement of the cam lever directly translates to clamping force. This inversion allows quick fastening and unfastening without requiring keys or specialized tools.
2Reliability
If interlocking fastening is used, then the connection becomes secure, but the fastening becomes inseparable due to deposits or material deterioration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic cam-actuated clamping system where the clamping elements (14, 15) can be easily adjusted or replaced. The cam lever (33) provides a mechanical advantage that maintains secure connection during operation, but allows quick release when needed. This dynamic mechanism avoids permanent interlocking, enabling easy repair and component replacement even after prolonged use.
3Productivity
If fastening elements are moved radially using elastic O-ring, then quick fastening is achieved, but the coupling becomes unstable and cannot withstand great pressures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a cam lever (33) that is pre-positioned to engage with the clamping elements (14, 15) before pressure is applied. The cam mechanism is designed to maintain radial engagement of the fastening elements, preventing them from moving under pressure. This preliminary positioning and mechanical constraint ensure both quick fastening and stable pressure resistance up to 350 bar.
4Ease of operation
If specific shapes like undercuts are used in the annular cavity, then the sealing element can be housed and moved, but the manufacturing complexity and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the sealing function from the structural cavity, using a separate sealing element (13) that can be independently manufactured and assembled. The annular cavity (11) is designed with a simpler cylindrical shape that houses the sealing element, eliminating the need for complex undercuts. The sealing element's own geometry provides the necessary sealing action, simplifying the manufacturing of the intake body.
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 solution provides a reliable, durable, and versatile quick coupling that is easy to use, resistant to pressure up to 350 bar, and has reduced production complexity and costs, while being compatible with existing coupling types.
Implementation Method 1
a sealing element (4) housed at least partially in the annular cavity (211) and movable therein; wherein the sealing element (4) includes a plurality of fastening sectors (40) suitable to be moved reciprocally in a radial direction
Implementation Method 2
The opposing means (42) are elastic means. Thus, preferably, the sealing element (4) passes from the release position to the clamping position when the aforesaid opening thrust is absent, due to the opposing means (42)
Implementation Method 3
the extractor (5) is preferably suitable to provide the opening thrust on the fastening sectors (40) so as to allow the release of the groove (30) of the joint (3) and allow the joint (3) to be removed
Implementation Method 4
The conical upper wall (40b) is suitable to allow the fastening element (4) to move from the clamping position to the release position, for example, when the joint (3) is inserted in the intake (2)
Data Source
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AI summary
An intake (2) is provided for a quick coupling (1) for pipes and the like, which is configured to be coupled to a joint (3) in fluidic through connection, and comprising a body (20) defining a central axis (2a) and a first channel (21) at least partially centred with respect to the central axis (2a) and suitable to partially house the joint (3), an annular sealing element (4) movably housed within the first channel (21) and including a plurality of fastening sectors (40) suitable to be reciprocally moved in a radial direction and defining a release position and a clamping position, an extractor (5) partially housed in the body (20), movable along the central axis (2a) with respect to the body (20) and suitable to allow the sealing element (4) to pass from the clamping position to the release position, wherein the body (20) includes an obstruction (22) defining at least one ring, which is centred with respect to the central axis (2a) and housed within the first channel (21), the sealing element (4) defines an interference portion (41) interfering with the obstruction (22) in a direction parallel to the central axis (2a) and the obstruction (22) and the interference portion (41) form a circular fulcrum around which the fastening sectors (40) rotate, moving away from each other, and provide the release position as a result of an opening thrust caused by the extractor (5) or the joint (3) when the extractor (5) or the joint (3) pass in the sealing element (4).