Quick Coupler Locking Structure for Vibration-Stable Connection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional quick couplers suffer from unstable connections due to manual unlocking mechanisms that can lead to loosening and self-unlocking, especially under manufacturing tolerances or vibrations, resulting in disconnected male and female parts.
Innovation Solution
A quick coupler design featuring a male part with a radially protruded portion and axially staggered first and second steel balls on the female part, along with an outer sliding sleeve, allows for a two-stage unlocking process that ensures firm and stable connections without manual intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single row of steel balls is used for locking the male and female parts, then the structure is simple, but the connection becomes unstable and prone to loosening under vibration
Solution Approach 1:
The single row of steel balls is segmented into two axially staggered rows (first and second steel balls at different axial positions). This segmentation allows the locking mechanism to engage at multiple axial positions simultaneously, distributing the locking force and preventing loosening under vibration while maintaining structural simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The steel balls are arranged in two axially staggered rows rather than a single row, adding an axial dimension to the locking mechanism. This multi-level axial arrangement creates redundant locking points, ensuring that if one row experiences vibration-induced loosening, the other row maintains the secure connection.
2Ease of operation
If the collar is manually moved rearward to unlock the male and female parts, then the locking mechanism is simple, but the unlocking stroke is too short to ensure firm connection
Solution Approach 1:
The unlocking mechanism performs self-service by automatically unlocking when the male part is pushed toward the female part during connection. The slanted push surface converts the pushing force into automatic unlocking action, eliminating the need for manual collar operation and ensuring a sufficient unlocking stroke through the mechanical advantage of the slanted surface.
Solution Approach 2:
The collar is transformed from a statically manually-operated component to a dynamically responsive component that automatically moves during the connection process. The slanted push surface creates a dynamic unlocking action that occurs naturally as the male part is pushed in, ensuring adequate unlocking stroke without additional manual effort.
3Ease of manufacture
If the collar has large manufacturing tolerance, then the manufacturing cost is reduced, but the collar displaces and loosens under vibration causing self-unlocking
Solution Approach 1:
The single-point collar locking is segmented into two axially staggered locking points (first and second steel balls). This segmentation means that even if the collar has manufacturing tolerances causing displacement at one axial position, the other axial position maintains secure locking, providing redundancy against loosening under vibration.
Solution Approach 2:
The dual axially staggered steel ball arrangement provides beforehand cushioning against the harmful effect of vibration-induced loosening. By having locking force distributed at two different axial positions, the system is pre-cushioned against the displacement that would occur with large manufacturing tolerances, preventing self-unlocking before it can happen.
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 design provides enhanced connection stability and prevents self-unlocking, ensuring secure engagement and disengagement of male and female parts even under vibration, with efficient force transmission and reduced risk of loosening.
Implementation Method 1
a first spring located between the male valve core and the male part main body with two ends elastically pressed against them... a third spring fitted between and having two ends elastically pressed against the movable valve core and a bottom of the fixed core shaft
Implementation Method 2
the slanted pushing surface of the radially protruded portion on the male part main body pushes against the first steel balls and the second steel balls on the female part sequentially to thereby drive the outer sliding sleeve toward the rear female case
Data Source
AI summary
A quick coupler includes a male part externally provided with a radially protruded portion having a slanted pushing surface and a chamfered locating surface, and a female part provided with two circular rows of staggered first and second through holes for receiving first and second steel balls therein, respectively. The female part includes a front and a rear female case and an outer sliding sleeve slidably fitted on the front female case and a spring located outside the front female case. When connecting the male to the female part, the protruded portion sequentially pushes the staggered first and second steel balls, which in turn drive the outer sliding sleeve rearward to an unlocking position. When the first steel balls are moved to the locating surface, the outer sliding sleeve is pushed by the spring to press against the steel balls and firmly lock the female part to the male part.