Pressure-Biased Quick Connect Coupler for Flexible Spray Hoses
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing quick connect couplings 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 require rigid tubing, making them inefficient for flexible hoses.
Innovation Solution
A hose assembly and spray gun configuration with a flexible hose and a quick connect coupler featuring a coupler body, piston, and seals that allow for tool-free attachment and detachment, enhancing the seal with fluid pressure, suitable for high-pressure applications.
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 is divided into two separate components: a female coupler integrated into the spray gun and a male coupler on the hose assembly. This segmentation allows each component to be compact and optimized for its specific function, eliminating the need for a single large bulky coupler while maintaining quick connection capability 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 coupling mechanism uses self-service principles where fluid pressure itself activates the sealing process. When fluid flows through the coupler, the pressure automatically pushes the piston to engage the sealing elements, eliminating the need for manual tool operation while ensuring reliable high-pressure sealing through the fluid's own energy.
3Ease of operation
If rigid tubing is used with quick connect couplings, then connection simplicity is improved, but adaptability to flexible hoses deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling design incorporates a universal interface that can accommodate both rigid tubing and flexible hoses. The female coupler features a receiving chamber with sealing surfaces designed to work with various hose types and rigid tube configurations, allowing the same quick connect mechanism to serve multiple applications without requiring specialized components for each hose type.
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
Facilitates quick and ergonomic connection of flexible hoses to spray guns and pressure sources without tools, reducing downtime and improving operational efficiency in fluid dispensing systems.
Implementation Method 1
a piston seal engaged the coupler body and the fitting to form a seal
Implementation Method 2
The piston is movable along the valve axis relative to the coupler body
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A
AI summary
A hose 18 is connected to a spray gun 21 or a pressurized fluid source by a quick connect coupler 20. The quick connect coupler 20 can be integrated with the hose 18 to form a hose assembly or can be integrated with a spray gun or pump. The quick connect coupler includes an internal piston 38 that is pressure biased into sealing engagement with a fitting connected to the quick connect coupler.