Quick-Acting Pipeline Coupling with Integrated Safety Lock
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing quick-acting couplings for pipelines in vehicles require complex maneuvers for disconnection, are prone to unlocking due to vibrations, and lack protection from pollutants, making them difficult to use in restricted spaces and polluted environments.
Innovation Solution
A quick-acting coupling design featuring a locking device with a safety mechanism that allows single-handed disconnection using a radial axis action, integrated with a protective cap to prevent pollutant intrusion, ensuring secure and easy operation even in challenging conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional locking mechanism with bolt and stud is used, then the connection is secure, but the disconnection requires complex two-handed maneuvers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the locking device and safety device into a single integrated unit. The safety member is mounted on the locking device itself, allowing both locking and safety functions to be performed through a single radial action on the button, eliminating the need for separate two-handed maneuvers while maintaining connection security
Solution Approach 2:
The locking device serves multiple functions: it provides the primary locking action, houses the safety mechanism, and through the integrated button action, enables both locking and unlocking operations. This multi-functionality allows a single component to replace what would traditionally require separate mechanisms and hands to operate
2Reliability
If the coupling is designed for secure locking, then connection integrity is maintained, but vibrations can cause parasitic movements that unlock the connection
Solution Approach 1:
The safety member is positioned to bear radially on the male part in the locked position, creating a preliminary counteracting force that prevents vibration-induced movements from causing unlocking. This anti-action is built into the locked state, proactively counteracting the harmful effects of vibrations before they can disrupt the connection
3Device complexity
If the stud is made accessible for blocking the bolt, then the locking mechanism is simple, but the coupling cannot be protected from pollutants
Solution Approach 1:
The safety member is nested within the locking device structure, specifically mounted on the locking device itself rather than being an external protruding stud. This nesting allows the coupling to be enclosed with a protective cap that covers the opening, protecting both the locking mechanism and safety member from pollutants while maintaining the simplicity of the locking action through the button
Data Source
AI summary
A quick-acting coupling for the disconnectable connection of two pipelines (C1, C2) which has a female element (A) equipped with a locking device (6) slidingly mounted in a body (1) of the female element and equipped with a raised portion-and wherein the locking device is movable between a first position in which the raised portion cooperates with a flange (102) of a male part (B), and a second position in which the locking device allows the male part to release itself from the female element, and wherein a safety device retains the locking device in the first position when the male part is in the configuration fitted in the female element and wherein when the locking device is in the first position, a force on the safety device releases the locking device from the first position.