Pipe Coupling Socket Sleeve Locking Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional pipe couplings face issues with the locking mechanism being easily released due to slight rearward movement or unexpected impacts, leading to unintended disconnection of the plug from the socket, especially when the angle of inclination of the sleeve inclined surface is reduced.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a socket with a tubular body, a plug-locking element, a sleeve-actuating element, and a spring member, where the plug has an insert part with a push portion and a locking recess, and the sleeve has an inclined surface that allows the sleeve to be displaced rearward, increasing the distance between the inclined surface and the locking position, enhancing the locking stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of stationary object
If the angle of inclination of the sleeve inclined surface is reduced, then the axial length of the sleeve inclined surface increases, but it becomes impossible for the plug-locking elements to displace the sleeve axially by pressing the sleeve inclined surface
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the geometric parameters of the inclined surface, specifically optimizing the angle of inclination and the axial length to achieve a balance where the sleeve can still be displaced axially while increasing the distance between the inclined surface and the locking position. This parameter optimization resolves the contradiction by finding the optimal values that satisfy both requirements.
2Reliability
If the axial length of the sleeve inclined surface is increased to reduce the angle of inclination, then the locking stability improves, but the plug-locking elements cannot effectively displace the sleeve
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the geometric parameters of the inclined surface, specifically the angle of inclination and axial length, to achieve a balance where the sleeve can still be displaced axially while increasing the distance between the inclined surface and the locking position. This parameter optimization resolves the contradiction by finding the optimal values that satisfy both requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a spring member that provides dynamic force to the plug-locking elements, enabling them to press the sleeve inclined surface and displace the sleeve axially even when the inclined surface has increased axial length. This dynamic mechanism ensures that the locking elements can overcome the reduced mechanical advantage and maintain effective sleeve displacement capability.
3Reliability
If the distance between the sleeve inclined surface and the locking position is increased, then accidental disconnection is reduced, but the sleeve cannot be displaced by the plug-locking elements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a spring member that provides dynamic force to the plug-locking elements, enabling them to press the sleeve inclined surface and displace the sleeve axially even when the inclined surface has increased axial length. This dynamic mechanism ensures that the locking elements can overcome the reduced mechanical advantage and maintain effective sleeve displacement capability.
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
This configuration reduces the likelihood of accidental disconnection by increasing the distance between the inclined surface and the locking position, ensuring the plug remains securely locked within the socket.
Implementation Method 1
a spring member that urges the sleeve forward
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5(a)~6
AI summary
A coupling according to the present invention has a socket (2) and a plug (30) that is inserted into and connected to the socket. The socket includes a socket body (10) having a first through-hole (13b) for a plug-locking element (12b) and an elongated second through-hole (13a) for a sleeve-actuating element (50), and a sleeve (50) set around the socket body. The sleeve is urged by a spring member (15) toward a position for pressing the plug-locking element (12b) against a locking recess (34) of the plug to prevent the plug from slipping out of the socket. The sleeve has a locking surface (50b) that presses the plug-locking element in the position described above. When being inserted into the socket, the plug engages with the sleeve-actuating element to move the sleeve rearward, thereby disengaging the locking surface from the plug-locking element.