Female Pipe Coupling Sleeve Locking Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
The conventional female pipe coupling member's design, which includes a locking element positioned to prevent complete dislodgment, results in an increased outer diameter due to the enlarged-diameter portion covering the locking element from the outside, hindering the reduction of the pipe coupling's outer diameter relative to the flow path size.
Innovation Solution
A female pipe coupling member with a locking element that is receivable in a through-hole locking element receiving hole, allowing the sleeve to displace and reduce its thickness, minimizing the outer diameter by eliminating the need for an enlarged-diameter portion to cover the locking element, and utilizing guide parts for precise alignment and operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the flow path size is increased to increase the maximum flow rate, then the flow rate capacity is improved, but the outer diameter of the pipe coupling inevitably increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent repositions the locking element from a radial projection into the flow path to a position on the outer peripheral surface of the coupling body, effectively moving the locking mechanism to another dimension (outer surface) that does not interfere with the internal flow path. This allows the flow path to be maximized without being constrained by the locking element's position, thus increasing flow rate capacity while maintaining a compact outer diameter.
2Reliability
If the sleeve is designed with an enlarged-diameter portion to cover the locking element from radially outside, then the locking element is prevented from being completely dislodged, but the outer diameter of the female pipe coupling member increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the locking element from the internal flow path area and places it on the outer peripheral surface of the coupling body. The locking element retaining hole is positioned such that its opening is on the outer peripheral surface, allowing the locking element to be retained without requiring an enlarged-diameter portion in the sleeve. This extraction to another location eliminates the need for additional sleeve thickness, thus preventing locking element dislodgment while maintaining a compact outer diameter.
3Productivity
If the locking element is positioned to not project from the inner peripheral surface when uncoupled, then the flow path is maximized, but the locking element may be completely dislodged from the retaining hole
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions the locking element retaining hole opening on the outer peripheral surface of the coupling body rather than on the inner peripheral surface. This dimensional relocation allows the locking element to be securely retained when in the uncoupled position without projecting into the flow path. The locking element can be fully inserted into the retaining hole from the outer surface, ensuring retention while maintaining a clear, maximized flow path inside the coupling body.
Data Source
AI summary
A female pipe coupling member includes a coupling body and a sleeve 138 disposed around a cylindrical peripheral wall portion of the coupling body. The sleeve has a locking element receiving hole extending therethrough from an inner peripheral surface to an outer peripheral surface. When the sleeve is in a locking element releasing position where the locking element receiving hole radially aligns with a locking element, the locking element is received in the locking element receiving hole to assume an unlocking position. The locking element receiving hole is configured to block the locking element from passing therethrough radially outward and thus holds the locking element in the unlocking position from outside.