Quick Disconnect Coupling With Floating Lobes for Hydraulic Lock Release
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid fittings face challenges in connecting and disconnecting, particularly in pressurized or closed systems, as they often require excessive force, can cause pressure drops, introduce air and dirt, and are prone to hydraulic lock, making the process difficult and lengthy.
Innovation Solution
A fluid coupling design featuring a first assembly with external threads and a second assembly with internal threads, along with a retainer containing floating lobes, which engage to facilitate easy connection and disconnection while minimizing air and dirt inclusion, and providing a mechanical advantage to overcome hydraulic lock.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional fluid fittings are used for connection and disconnection, then the connection is secure, but excessive force is required and the process is lengthy
Solution Approach 1:
The fitting incorporates a dynamic disconnection mechanism where pulling the outer cylinder activates a cam-shaped protrusion that rotates and disengages the locking lobes from the ratchet teeth, transforming a static locked state into a dynamic release process that reduces required force
Solution Approach 2:
The fitting uses a nested structure with an inner cylinder containing the seal and locking mechanism, and an outer cylinder that slides over it. The locking lobes on the inner cylinder engage with ratchet teeth on the outer cylinder, creating a compact nested design that maintains security while enabling easy release
2Reliability
If traditional fluid fittings are used in pressurized systems, then the connection is secure, but significant pressure drop occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The seal is pre-compressed by the locking lobes against the sealing surface before the connection is fully pressurized. This preliminary sealing action ensures that when pressure is applied, the seal is already in optimal contact, minimizing pressure drop while maintaining connection security
Solution Approach 2:
The fitting features a localized sealing zone with a specifically designed seal geometry and material that concentrates sealing force at the critical interface. The cam-shaped protrusion creates localized high contact pressure at the seal interface while maintaining low overall connection force, reducing pressure drop without compromising reliability
3Ease of operation
If traditional fluid fittings are used for disconnection, then the connection can be broken, but air and dirt are introduced into the system
Solution Approach 1:
The outer cylinder acts as an intermediary component that seals against the inner cylinder during disconnection. When the outer cylinder is pulled and rotated, it maintains a sealed interface throughout the release process, preventing air and dirt from entering the system while still allowing the connection to be broken
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing interface between the inner and outer cylinders is maintained continuously throughout the disconnection process. The cam-shaped mechanism ensures that the seal remains engaged with the sealing surface until the very end of the disconnection sequence, ensuring continuous protection against contamination
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 enables quick and reliable connection and disconnection of fluid fittings, reducing pressure drops and air inclusion, and preventing damage to components, while allowing for operation against hydraulic lock in closed systems.
Implementation Method 1
The at least one floating lobe may be configured to urge the seal against the second assembly. This may, for example, be in response to threading the external and internal threads.
Implementation Method 2
The first assembly may include first ratchet teeth and a body with external threads. The second assembly may include second ratchet teeth and a nut with internal threads. The second ratchet teeth may be configured to engage the first ratchet teeth.
Data Source
AI summary
A fluid coupling may comprise a first assembly, a second assembly and a retainer. The first assembly may include first ratchet teeth and a body with external threads. The second assembly may include second ratchet teeth and a nut with internal threads. The second ratchet teeth may be configured to engage the first ratchet teeth. The internal threads may be configured to engage the external threads. The retainer may include at least one floating lobe configured to be positioned between the external and internal threads. At least one floating lobe may include first and second lobes, which may have a semi-circular structure and may be configured in a ring configuration. In embodiments, the second assembly includes a valve sleeve; a seal is disposed between the body and valve sleeve; and, upon connection, a sealing surface angle is provided between a portion of the body and a portion of the sleeve.