Quick Connect Coupling Retention Feature for Pressurized Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Quick connect couplings lack a mechanism to prevent inadvertent disconnection in pressurized states, which is undesirable in systems where maintaining connection is crucial, such as in breathable air supply to protective suits or fluid passageways.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a retention feature with a bias structure and retention structure on the housing and clip, which biases the clip to misalign the bore and opening, significantly increasing resistance to disconnection in pressurized states without affecting unpressurized states, utilizing a projection and finger mechanism or lead out geometry to enhance resistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a quick connect coupling is designed for quick and easy connection and disconnection, then the ease of operation is improved, but the reliability deteriorates in pressurized states where inadvertent disconnection becomes a risk
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling incorporates a pressure-responsive retention structure that dynamically changes its engagement characteristics based on internal pressure. When pressure is present, the retention structure automatically increases resistance to disconnection; when pressure is released, the coupling returns to its easily operable state. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction between ease of operation and reliability in pressurized states.
Solution Approach 2:
The retention structure's engagement parameter (resistance to disconnection) is changed based on pressure conditions. The structure is designed so that pressure itself becomes the controlling parameter that modifies the coupling's disconnection resistance, transforming the static design into a condition-dependent system that provides high reliability when needed while maintaining ease of operation when safe.
2Reliability
If a retention structure is added to increase resistance to disconnection in pressurized states, then the reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The retention structure is designed to be self-actuating through pressure itself, without requiring external control systems, sensors, or additional actuation mechanisms. The pressure from the fluid or gas being conveyed directly engages the retention structure, making it a self-service system that improves reliability while minimizing added complexity. The structure uses the existing pressure field to activate its retention function.
Solution Approach 2:
The retention structure is integrated into the existing coupling components (housing and clip) rather than being a separate added mechanism. The retention features are combined with the connection elements themselves, merging multiple functions into unified structures that reduce overall device complexity while providing the needed reliability improvement.
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 the coupling remains connected in pressurized conditions while allowing easy disconnection when unpressurized, preventing accidental disconnection and maintaining system integrity.
Implementation Method 1
The bias structure is operable to bias the clip toward a position in which the bore in the housing and the opening in the clip are not aligned
Implementation Method 2
The retention structure is operable to significantly increase the resistance acting on the clip to disconnect the coupling in a pressurized state
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2D
Figure 3
AI summary
The present invention provides a quick connect coupling with a retention feature that resists inadvertent disconnection of the coupling in a pressurized state. In an exemplary embodiment, the quick connect coupling includes a housing, a clip, bias structure on at least one of the housing and the clip, and retention structure on at least one of the housing and the clip. The housing includes a longitudinal portion and a transverse portion. The housing has a longitudinal bore extending therethrough. The transverse portion has a top side and a bottom side. The transverse portion has an opening extending from the top side through the bottom side transversely to the bore.