Quick Connect Coupler With Differential Locking Mechanism
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing couplers for fluid delivery components in firefighting applications fail to provide a secure, high-pressure connection while allowing for quick and easy disconnection, which is crucial during rapid changes in firefighting scenarios.
Innovation Solution
A quick connect coupler utilizing a hydraulic locking mechanism that engages when fluid is flowing, preventing disconnection under pressure, and allows disconnection when fluid flow stops, featuring a base with a locking member and a connector member that uses redirected fluid pressure to lock the connection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a quick connect coupler allows easy disconnection for rapid component changes, then the ease of operation is improved, but the reliability of the connection under high pressure deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The locking member is designed to dynamically change its locking state based on fluid flow conditions. During fluid flow, the locking member is held in a locked position by hydraulic pressure, providing secure connection. When fluid flow stops, the locking member can be easily moved to an unlocked position, enabling quick disconnection. This dynamic behavior resolves the contradiction between connection security and ease of disconnection.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses hydraulic pressure from the fluid flow itself to maintain the locked state of the locking member. The hydraulic system automatically engages the locking mechanism when fluid flows through the coupler, ensuring secure connection under pressure. When fluid flow ceases, the hydraulic pressure is released, allowing easy disconnection. This hydraulic approach resolves the contradiction by using the operating condition (fluid flow) to automatically ensure connection security.
2Reliability
If the locking mechanism is designed to be secure under high pressure, then the reliability is improved, but the ease of operation for quick disconnect deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The locking member transitions between locked and unlocked states based on fluid flow conditions. Under pressure with fluid flow, the locking member is firmly held in the locked position for secure connection. When fluid flow stops, the locking member becomes easily movable for quick disconnection. This dynamic state change resolves the contradiction between security under pressure and ease of disconnection.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism uses the fluid flow passing through the coupler to automatically maintain its locked state. The hydraulic pressure from the fluid itself serves to keep the locking member engaged, eliminating the need for separate actuation mechanisms. This self-service approach ensures reliability under pressure while maintaining ease of operation when fluid flow stops.
3Reliability
If a locking mechanism prevents disconnection during fluid flow, then the reliability is improved, but the ease of operation for quick changes deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The locking member's state is dynamically controlled by fluid flow conditions. During fluid flow, the locking member is automatically held in the locked position, preventing disconnection and ensuring reliability. When fluid flow stops, the locking member can be quickly moved to the unlocked position, enabling rapid component changes. This dynamic response resolves the contradiction between preventing disconnection under pressure and enabling quick changes.
Solution Approach 2:
The hydraulic pressure generated by fluid flow automatically engages and maintains the locking mechanism, preventing disconnection during operation. When fluid flow ceases, the hydraulic pressure is released, allowing the locking member to be quickly moved for component changes. This hydraulic control mechanism resolves the contradiction by using fluid flow to automatically provide both security and enable quick changes when needed.
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
Ensures a secure connection during fluid flow while enabling quick and easy disconnection when fluid flow ceases, ensuring safety and efficiency in firefighting operations.
Implementation Method 1
a fluid passage extending from its fluid flow passageway to the chamber to redirect a portion of the fluid flowing through the coupler to thereby pressurize the chamber. The pressure in the chamber is then applied to the locking member to urge the locking member toward the locking position
Data Source
AI summary
A coupler for coupling a first fluid delivery device to a second fluid delivery device includes a base adapted for mounting at one of the opening of first fluid delivery device, a locking member coupled to the base about the base's longitudinal axis, with the locking member being movable along the base along the base's longitudinal axis between a locking position and an unlocking position. A connector member having a body adapted for releasably mounting at one of the openings of the second fluid delivery device is releasably engageable with the locking member and with the base wherein the fluid flow passageways of the base and the connector member are in fluidic communication. Further, the locking member is biased toward the connector member to thereby engage the connector member with a first force when fluid is flowing through the coupler and with a second lower force when fluid is not flowing through the coupler wherein when no fluid is flowing through the coupler, the connector member may be disconnected from the locking member by simply overcoming the second lower biasing force.