Quick-Connect Female Element With Inclined-Groove Locking Under Pressure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing quick connectors face issues with secure locking mechanisms that are bulky, complex, and expensive, particularly under high pressure, which can lead to unintended disconnections.
Innovation Solution
A female quick-connect element with a compact design featuring movable locks and an operating ring with guide grooves inclined relative to the fitting axis, allowing locks to transition between engagement and disengagement positions efficiently, thereby distributing repulsion forces to prevent unintentional uncoupling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a secure locking device with multiple locks and springs is used to prevent untimely disconnection under high pressure, then connection security is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple locking functions into a single integrated locking element that features a conical surface interacting with a conical seat. This merging of functions eliminates the need for separate locks and springs while maintaining secure connection under high pressure, directly resolving the contradiction between connection security and device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The locking element serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides mechanical locking through the conical interface, absorbs repulsion forces from high pressure through the conical surface interaction, and enables quick release through the button mechanism. This multi-functionality achieves secure connection without requiring separate specialized components for each function
2Reliability
If a secure locking device with multiple components is used to prevent untimely disconnection, then connection security is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
By merging multiple locking components into a single locking element with a conical surface, the patent reduces the number of parts that need to be manufactured, assembled, and quality-checked. This consolidation directly lowers manufacturing cost while maintaining the secure connection function
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and eliminates unnecessary intermediate components (such as separate springs and multiple locks) from the locking mechanism, retaining only the essential conical locking surface and button release mechanism. This extraction simplifies manufacturing processes and reduces material costs
3Reliability
If a bulky locking device is used to ensure secure connection under high pressure, then connection security is improved, but the overall device size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking element is designed to nest efficiently within the connector body, with the conical surface integrated into the existing structure. The button mechanism is positioned to operate within the available space without requiring additional external volume, achieving secure locking in a compact configuration
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 solution provides enhanced security against untimely disconnections while maintaining a compact and economical design, effectively managing repulsion forces under pressure to ensure reliable connections.
Implementation Method 1
a return member, configured to return the ring maneuver towards its locking position
Implementation Method 2
the guide grooves associated with each lock being geometrically carried by a guide plane inclined relative to the fitting axis, so that each lock is driven from its second position to its first position when the operating ring is moved from its unlocking position to its locking position
Implementation Method 3
When the quick coupling is connected and under pressure, the repulsion forces tending to uncouple the coupling are applied to the locks and are entirely taken up on the walls of the radial openings, which reduces the risk of unintentional uncoupling
Data Source
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AI summary
This female quick-connect element (100), configured to connect to a male element (10), comprises a hollow body (102) extending along a insertion axis (A100) and defining a receiving volume (V100) for the male element. Radial openings (110), formed in the body along a radial axis (A110), open into the receiving volume. Each radial opening receives a latch (112), which is movable in translation relative to the body along the corresponding radial axis, between a locked position and an unlocked position. The female element includes an operating ring (150), disposed around the body and movable in translation along the body between a locked position and an unlocked position. The ring includes guide grooves (160), which cooperate with pins of each latch.The guide grooves associated with each lock are geometrically supported by a guide plane (P160) inclined relative to the mounting axis, so that each lock is driven between its locking and unlocking positions when the operating ring is moved between its locking position and its unlocking position.