Quick Connect Coupler With Multi-Step Locking and Pressure Venting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing quick connect couplers for industrial sprinklers can disconnect under pressure, leading to potential safety hazards as components may blow apart, posing a risk to irrigators.
Innovation Solution
A multi-step connection mechanism with axially spaced and circumferentially offset tabs and recesses between a female and male connector, featuring a seal and venting system that prevents disconnection-induced ejection and alerts the user to an insecure connection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a quick connect coupler mechanism is used to enable rapid connection and disconnection, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability deteriorates as the coupler may disconnect under pressure
Solution Approach 1:
The connection mechanism is divided into multiple engagement stages with two rows of tabs (first and second tabs) that engage sequentially. The first tabs provide initial engagement while the second tabs provide secondary engagement, creating a multi-stage connection process that enhances reliability while maintaining quick connect functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The first tabs engage with the female connector before the second tabs, providing preliminary engagement and alignment. This preliminary action ensures proper positioning and secures the connection before full engagement is achieved, preventing premature disconnection under pressure.
2Ease of operation
If the coupler allows easy disconnection for maintenance and repositioning, then ease of operation is improved, but harmful factors worsen as components may blow apart under pressure
Solution Approach 1:
The multi-stage engagement mechanism with two rows of tabs creates intermediate engagement points that prevent sudden complete disconnection. If disconnection occurs, the staged engagement ensures the female connector displaces upward into engagement with the adjacent tab row, cushioning the transition and preventing violent ejection of components.
Solution Approach 2:
The potential harmful effect of pressure-induced disconnection is converted into a safety feature where the female connector is designed to displace upward and engage with the next tab row, transforming a potential hazard into a controlled venting mechanism that alerts operators without causing injury.
3Reliability
If a secure connection is provided to prevent disconnection, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional engagement mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The male connector with two rows of tabs serves multiple functions: providing staged engagement, ensuring proper alignment, and creating redundant connection points. This multi-functional design achieves enhanced reliability without proportionally increasing complexity, as the same basic tab structure fulfills multiple protective roles.
Data Source
AI summary
A quick connect coupler includes a female connector having a central bore and a plurality of recesses, and a male connector having a post insertable into the central bore. The male connector has a first tab row with a plurality of first tabs and a second tab row with a plurality of second tabs axially spaced from the plurality of first tabs. The first and second tabs are shaped corresponding to the recesses in the female connector. The first and second tab rows are circumferentially offset to effect a two- or multi-step connection between the female connector and the male connector.