Quick Connect Coupling with Beveled Washer Preload Adjustment
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing quick connect couplings face challenges in maintaining a reliable fluid-tight connection without leakage, particularly in managing the preload force after connection, which can lead to design and operational concerns.
Innovation Solution
A quick connect apparatus featuring a locking collar, semicircular wedge, rocker arm, beveled washer, and spring mechanism that adjusts the preload force by changing the radial distance of the semicircular wedge and beveled washer's position in response to the locking collar's movement, allowing seamless switching between locked and unlocked states.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a preload force is applied to join tubular elements, then connection reliability is improved, but managing the preload force after connection creates design and operational concerns
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling mechanism transitions from a static preload application to a dynamic system where the rocker arm and beveled washer allow automatic adjustment of preload force. The mechanism moves between locked and unlocked states, dynamically managing the spring force to maintain reliable connection while simplifying operational control.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring-loaded beveled washer and rocker arm mechanism automatically adjusts and maintains the preload force without requiring external intervention. Once the tubular elements are inserted, the system self-regulates the connection force through the mechanical interaction of the rocker arm, beveled washer, and spring, eliminating complex control systems.
2Productivity
If a quick connect coupling is used to establish fluid-tight connection, then connection speed is improved, but ensuring leak-proof connection under varying preload conditions becomes challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanism changes the preload force parameter automatically through the rocker arm and beveled washer interaction. As the tubular element is inserted, the rocker arm rotates, moving the beveled washer axially to adjust the spring compression, thereby dynamically optimizing the connection force to ensure fluid-tight sealing while maintaining quick connection capability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the radial distance of semicircular wedge is changed to adjust preload, then connection adaptability is improved, but mechanical complexity of the adjustment mechanism increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanism converts radial movement of the rocker arm into axial movement of the beveled washer, effectively using a dimensional transformation to achieve preload adjustment. This leverages the beveled surface geometry to translate rotational/radial motion into linear axial displacement, providing adaptability through a relatively simple mechanical linkage rather than requiring complex radial adjustment mechanisms.
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 and leak-proof connection by dynamically adjusting the preload force, maintaining fluid flow between tubular elements while preventing leakage during disconnection.
Implementation Method 1
a spring to apply a preload force to the beveled washer, the parallel movement of the beveled washer changing an amount of the preload force applied by the spring
Implementation Method 2
a rocker arm attached to the first tubular element and one end coupled to the semicircular wedge, the rocker arm to change a radial distance of the semicircular wedge relative to center of the first tubular element in response to a movement of the locking collar
Implementation Method 3
a beveled washer surrounding the first tubular element, the beveled washer to move parallel to direction of insertion of the second tubular element into the first tubular element in response to the change in radial distance of the semicircular wedge to the center of the first tubular element
Data Source
AI summary
Quick connect apparatuses and methods of operating a quick connect apparatus are provided. Embodiments include a first tubular element to house a portion of a second tubular element inserted into the first tubular element; a quick connect coupling to lock the first tubular element to the second tubular element, the quick connect coupling including: a locking collar; a semicircular wedge; a rocker arm, the rocker arm to change a radial distance of the semicircular wedge relative to center of the first tubular element in response to a movement of the locking collar in a direction parallel to direction of insertion of the second tubular element into the first tubular element; a beveled washer surrounding the first tubular element; and a spring to apply a preload force to the beveled washer, the parallel movement of the beveled washer changing an amount of the preload force applied by the spring.