Large-Diameter Quick Connect Coupling With Spring-Loaded Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing quick connect couplings with large diameters (five centimeters or more) require more than human hand force to connect and disconnect, and existing solutions for smaller diameters are not adaptable, posing challenges in operation and compatibility with larger diameters, while also needing to be inexpensive, easy to manufacture, and provide reliable fluid flow.
Innovation Solution
A quick connect coupling design featuring a locking element with a gap and a spring-loaded ring, combined with engaging elements like balls, allows for hand-operated connection and disconnection of large diameter tubes by configuring the sealing pressure through the radial distance of the sealing means from the ring's outer surface, ensuring reliable sealing without damaging the nipple.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the diameter of the quick connect coupling is increased to five centimetres or larger, then the coupling can handle larger fluid flows, but human hand force is no longer sufficient to connect and disconnect the coupling
Solution Approach 1:
A spring-loaded ring acts as an intermediary mechanism between the user's hand force and the sealing requirement. The spring provides force multiplication, allowing small hand forces to generate sufficient sealing pressure on large-diameter couplings. The ring translates axial hand force into radial sealing force against the nipple.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the parameter of force application by introducing a spring mechanism that converts small axial hand force into large radial sealing force. The spring constant and preload are designed to provide the necessary sealing pressure for large diameters while remaining compressible by hand force.
2Ease of manufacture
If features from smaller diameter couplings are scaled up to larger diameters, then manufacturing is simpler, but the forces acting on the coupling would destroy such a scaled up coupling
Solution Approach 1:
Rather than simply scaling up small-diameter coupling features, the invention changes the fundamental parameter of force generation by introducing a spring-loaded mechanism. This allows the coupling to handle large forces appropriate for large diameters without requiring proportionally larger and more complex structural features.
3Reliability
If sealing pressure is increased to ensure reliable sealing in large diameter couplings, then sealing reliability improves, but the nipple may be damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing pressure is made dynamic rather than static. The spring-loaded ring allows the sealing force to be applied gradually as the spring compresses during connection, and the force automatically adjusts to match the nipple's承受能力. This dynamic application prevents sudden damage while ensuring reliable sealing.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the parameter of force application from a fixed, high-magnitude force to a controlled, progressive force through spring compression. The spring constant is selected to provide sufficient sealing pressure for large diameters while limiting the maximum force to prevent nipple damage.
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
Enables the operation of quick connect couplings with diameters of five centimeters or larger using only hand force, maintaining reliability and preventing damage to the nipple, while allowing for adjustable sealing pressure for optimal performance.
Implementation Method 1
The second side having a pressure area for receiving a spring force, from a spring
Implementation Method 2
The pressure area is configured for the internal pressure to force the ring with the sealing means against a nipple
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5
AI summary
A quick connect coupling, operable by hand, the quick connect coupling comprising a locking element (10); and a ring (20) slidably arranged in the quick connect coupling. The ring comprising a first side (40) and a second side (50), the two sides being opposite to each other; the first side having sealing means (42); the second side having a pressure area (52) receiving a spring force and for receiving an internal pressure in the quick connect coupling. The pressure area (52) is configured for the internal pressure to force the ring (20) with the sealing means (42) against a nipple (100) to be connected to the quick connect coupling. The quick connect coupling has an inner diameter of the ring (20) that is 5 cm or larger. A method setting the sealing pressure in such a quick connect coupling comprising configuring a distance (R1) between the contact point of the sealing means (42) with connectable nipple and an outer surface of the ring (20).