Pressure-Biased Quick Connect Coupler for Flexible Spray Hoses
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing quick connect couplers for fluid dispensing systems, particularly in fluid spray systems, are unsuitable for high-pressure operations due to bulkiness, unwieldiness, and the need for tools, and suffer from side-load sensitivity and inefficiency in connecting flexible hoses.
Innovation Solution
A hose assembly and spray gun configuration with a quick connect coupler that includes a flexible hose and a coupler body with a piston mechanism, allowing for tool-free attachment and enhanced sealing through fluid pressure, facilitating quick and ergonomic connections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If traditional quick connect couplings are used for fluid spray systems, then connection speed is improved, but the couplings become bulky and unwieldy at high pressures
Solution Approach 1:
The coupler body is divided into distinct functional sections: a mounting end for rigid connection, a flexible hose connector for flexible attachment, and a piston mechanism for sealing. This segmentation allows each portion to be optimized independently, reducing overall bulk while maintaining quick connect functionality at high pressures
Solution Approach 2:
The piston mechanism is nested within the coupler body, with the piston movable inside a dedicated chamber. The seal grooves are integrated into the piston surface, and seals are nested within grooves. This nested arrangement consolidates multiple components into a compact configuration, reducing coupler size while maintaining sealing effectiveness at high pressures
2Ease of operation
If tool-free quick connect couplings are used, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability at high pressures deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The piston mechanism is designed to be automatically actuated by the insertion motion itself. When the flexible hose connector is pushed into the coupler body, the piston is automatically driven forward by the insertion force, compressing the seals against the seal grooves. This self-actuating mechanism provides tool-free operation while ensuring reliable high-pressure sealing through the automatic engagement of the piston-seal system
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing mechanism utilizes fluid pressure from the spray system itself to enhance seal engagement. The high-pressure fluid flowing through the coupler reinforces the sealing action by pressing the piston and seals against the mating surfaces, making the tool-free connection equally reliable at high pressures as traditional tool-connected couplings
3Ease of operation
If rigid tubing is used with push to connect couplers, then connection simplicity is improved, but adaptability to flexible hoses deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The coupler body is designed with a universal mounting interface that can accommodate both rigid tubing and flexible hoses. The mounting end features a standardized connection geometry that works with various hose types and rigid tube configurations, while the internal piston-seal mechanism adapts to the inserted component type. This universal design maintains connection simplicity while providing versatility for both rigid and flexible connections
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
Enables efficient, tool-free connection and disconnection of flexible hoses in high-pressure fluid systems, reducing downtime and improving ergonomic operation by minimizing the need for tools and providing a smaller footprint.
Implementation Method 1
enhanced sealing through fluid pressure
Data Source
AI summary
A hose is connected to a spray gun or a pressurized fluid source by a quick connect coupler. The quick connect coupler can be integrated with the hose to form a hose assembly or can be integrated with a spray gun or pump. The quick connect coupler includes an internal piston that is pressure biased into sealing engagement with a fitting connected to the quick connect coupler.