Quick Connect Coupling for Underground Mining Fire Suppression
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current mining regulations require labor-intensive and costly plumbing and pipe installation for fire suppression and dust control systems in underground mining, leading to maintenance issues due to spray positioning, angle adjustment, and internal corrosion.
Innovation Solution
A quick coupling system using female and male quick couplings with O-rings and horseshoe-shaped pins for easy assembly and adjustment, eliminating the need for threading and reducing maintenance costs, allowing for quick and easy coupling and positioning of sprays.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional plumbing and pipe installation methods are used, then fire suppression and dust control systems can be installed, but installation time and labor costs increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the pipe connection into separate male and female quick coupling components that can be assembled independently and connected rapidly, eliminating the need for traditional threading and bolting operations
Solution Approach 2:
The quick coupling components are pre-manufactured with integrated sealing elements (O-rings) and connection features, allowing field assembly without requiring on-site threading, bolting, or specialized plumbing tools
2Strength
If traditional pipe fitting and bolting methods are used, then secure connections are achieved, but labor costs and installation complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The connection system is segmented into modular male and female coupling halves that engage through simple insertion and locking mechanisms, replacing complex multi-step fitting and bolting procedures
Solution Approach 2:
The quick coupling design incorporates self-aligning features and automatic sealing through O-rings, allowing the connection to secure itself without requiring specialized tools or multiple workers
3Duration of action of stationary object
If traditional threaded fittings are used, then durable connections are achieved, but maintenance and reconfiguration become difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The durable connection is achieved through segmented quick coupling components that can be easily separated and reconnected, maintaining structural integrity while enabling simple maintenance and reconfiguration
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling system transitions from static threaded connections to dynamic quick-connect/disconnect capability, allowing rapid reconfiguration while maintaining connection strength through engineered locking mechanisms
4Manufacturing precision
If traditional plumbing tools and wrenches are required, then proper installation is achieved, but equipment costs and installation difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The quick coupling system performs its own alignment and sealing functions through integrated design features, eliminating the need for external tools to achieve proper installation precision
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 system reduces installation time by approximately 75%, simplifies maintenance, and decreases labor costs by enabling single-person installation without specialized tools, while maintaining a sealed engagement and allowing for easy reconfiguration and reuse.
Implementation Method 1
a male quick coupling having an O-ring disposed about a first end thereof, where the first end of the male quick coupling fits into the second end of the female quick coupling
Data Source
AI summary
A quick connect system for the assembly of underground mining dust and fire suppression systems can eliminate the need for threading pipe with couplings during the installation, reducing installation times approximately 75%. The quick connect system results in the quick and easy coupling and positioning of sprays along the water line. The quick connect system typically uses galvanized, brass and stainless steel components to reduce the need for replacement and to provide for quick adjustment of fittings with sprays using pliers. The system is simple to maintain and reduces high installation and maintenance labor costs. The system uses male and female ported fittings and horseshoe pins. Pendant style or deluge style sprays can be used in the system and can be pre-installed prior to delivery and installation of the system.