Pressure-Locked Quick Coupling to Prevent Connector Ejection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current quick couplings face challenges such as complex and costly manufacturing processes for buttons with offset shoulders, reliance on user control which can lead to uncontrolled ejection risks, and premature wear due to friction, resulting in reduced efficiency and safety over time.
Innovation Solution
A quick coupling design featuring a casing with a shutter that translates along a longitudinal axis, a control slider, and safety means that lock the shutter under pneumatic pressure, eliminating the need for complex button structures and reducing user interaction complexity, thereby enhancing safety and longevity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If conventional buttons with offset shoulders are used for locking and release control, then the coupling can achieve basic locking functionality, but the manufacturing process becomes very long, complicated, and expensive requiring specialized milling machines
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling mechanism is divided into separate functional components: a simplified button for user activation, a shutter for connector retention, and a cursor for safety control. Each component has a specific, simple geometry that is easy to manufacture, replacing the monolithic complex button design with modular elements that can be produced using standard machining processes
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of creating complex locking surfaces on the button itself, the invention inverts the approach by having the button activate a shutter that performs the locking function. The locking surfaces are transferred from the button to the shutter and cursor components, which have simpler geometries and can be manufactured more easily
2Productivity
If user-controlled button release is used, then the coupling can be operated quickly, but uncontrolled ejection of the connector may occur posing safety risks to the user and environment
Solution Approach 1:
The cursor acts as an intermediary safety mechanism between the user's button activation and the actual connector release. The cursor controls the shutter's movement and ensures that release only occurs when pressure conditions are safe, mediating between user intent and physical action to prevent uncontrolled ejection
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling system performs self-checking through the pressure-actuated cursor that automatically prevents release when pressure is too high. The system monitors its own state and self-regulates the release process without requiring additional external safety devices or complex control systems
3Duration of action of moving object
If repeated use cycles occur with conventional button designs, then the coupling can be used extensively, but friction wear on the button and locking surfaces leads to premature failure and reduced efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the high-wear locking surfaces from the user-operated button and places them on the shutter and cursor components that are not directly manipulated by the user. This separates the user interface (button) from the wear-prone mechanical interfaces, reducing friction wear on user-accessible parts while maintaining durable locking functionality
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 design ensures high efficiency and safety throughout numerous use cycles by automating the release mechanism, simplifying manufacturing, and reducing wear on components, thus minimizing the risk of mechanical failures and environmental hazards.
Implementation Method 1
a shutter (3) housed within the casing (2) so that it can translate along the longitudinal axis (2a) in opposition to a spring (21)
Implementation Method 2
including at least one first slider (40) housed within the casing (2) so that it can translate along a locking direction (4a) in opposition to a spring (22)
Implementation Method 3
said shutter locking the external connector (10) at least when the safety means (5) lock said shutter (3) when subjected to pressures higher than a predetermined threshold value caused by a fluid present within said coupling
Data Source
AI summary
Quick coupling including casing defining longitudinal axis, outlet and inlet, to receive at the inlet at least part of external connector to fluidity connect external connector and outlet, shutter housed within casing to translate along longitudinal axis in opposition to opposing element, housing at least part of external connector and including retainer to lock at least part of external connector within shutter in at least one position along longitudinal axis, controller accessible from outside and including first slider housed within casing to translate along locking direction skewed relative to longitudinal axis in opposition to second opposing element, to house at least part of the shutter and including lock to lock the shutter within first slider in position along locking direction, and safety to lock shutter when subjected to pressures above predetermined threshold by fluid present within coupling, wherein the shutter locks external connector at least when safety locks shutter.