Detachable Quick Coupler Ring Structure for Reusable Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional quick couplers allow for fast assembly only once due to housing deformation, preventing reusable fast assembly.
Innovation Solution
A quick coupler design featuring a top ring and bottom ring with annular grooves and fasteners that enable detachable and reusable assembly through a combined component structure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a conventional quick coupler uses housing deformation to engage the connecting key, then fast assembly is achieved, but the coupler can only be used once due to permanent deformation
Solution Approach 1:
The housing is divided into two separate rings (first ring and second ring) that can independently deform and recover. Each ring has its own groove that engages with the connecting key, allowing one ring to be reused while the other deforms. This segmentation enables the coupler to be disassembled and reused multiple times while maintaining fast assembly capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a mechanism where one ring is discarded (deformed) during assembly while the other ring recovers its original shape. After disassembly, the recovered ring can be reused in the next assembly operation. This discarding and recovering mechanism allows the coupler to maintain reusability while achieving fast assembly through controlled deformation of the sacrificial ring.
2Productivity
If the housing is deformed during mounting to engage the connecting key, then fast assembly is achieved, but the deformation causes failure of subsequent fast assembly
Solution Approach 1:
The housing is segmented into two independent rings, each capable of deformation. During assembly, one ring deforms to engage the connecting key while the other ring remains intact. This segmentation allows the intact ring to be reused in subsequent assembly operations, extending the service life of the coupler while maintaining high assembly efficiency through the deformable ring.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a discarding and recovering mechanism where one ring is intentionally deformed (discarded) during assembly to enable fast connection, while the other ring recovers and can be reused. This approach extends the overall service life of the coupler system by allowing one component to be permanently deformed while the other maintains its functionality for multiple assembly cycles.
3Device complexity
If a conventional quick coupler uses a monolithic housing structure, then simple structure is achieved, but repair and maintenance become difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The monolithic housing is segmented into two separate rings connected by connecting members. This segmentation allows individual rings to be removed, replaced, or repaired independently without affecting the entire coupler structure. The connecting members (bolts or keys) provide easy detachment points, enabling maintenance personnel to access and service internal components without complex disassembly procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupler employs a dynamic structure where the two rings can move relative to each other during assembly and disassembly. The connecting members allow the rings to be detached and reattached, providing flexibility for maintenance and repair operations. This dynamic design maintains relative structural simplicity while significantly improving ease of repair compared to a rigid monolithic housing.
Data Source
AI summary
A quick coupler includes a top ring, a bottom ring and fasteners. The top ring may be engaged with the bottom ring to be assembled together; the top ring is provided with a top ring groove, and the bottom ring is provided with a bottom ring groove; the fasteners are loosely or tightly connected to the top ring and the bottom ring, so that the top ring and the bottom ring are fixed together as a whole; in a tight state, the top ring groove of the top ring and the bottom ring groove of the bottom ring are assembled to form an annular groove.