Quick Coupling Latch Pneumatic Return for Gas Pipe Safety
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing quick couplings for pipes conveying gas under pressure lack sufficient safety mechanisms to prevent violent ejection of the male element during disconnection, particularly when operators fail to hold the locking mechanism long enough for purging, and require inconvenient sequential manual operations that are sensitive to friction forces.
Innovation Solution
A quick coupling design featuring a latch that moves between two positions, one for locking and another for releasing, with a purge passage that allows downstream pipe purging when the coupling element is at a second depth, and is configured to return to the release position at least partially by positive pressure, ensuring safe disconnection without violent ejection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a locking mechanism is designed to allow full release only after temporary positioning for purging, then safety against violent ejection is improved, but the operation becomes more complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the positive pressure from the purge passage to automatically return the latch to its second position, eliminating the need for manual intervention or complex control mechanisms. The pressure differential self-actuates the safety feature.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention utilizes pneumatic pressure from the gas flow through the purge passage to drive the latch mechanism. The positive pressure in the purge passage directly acts on the latch to return it to the release position, converting gas pressure into mechanical motion for safety control.
2Reliability
If two manual operations on a latch are required for separation, then safety against violent ejection is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to sequential operations and waiting time
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically performs the second operation (returning latch to second position) using the positive pressure from the purge passage, eliminating the need for manual intervention. Only one manual operation is needed to initiate the process.
Solution Approach 2:
Pneumatic pressure from the gas flow through the purge passage drives the latch to return to its second position automatically, replacing the need for a second manual operation and eliminating waiting time associated with friction-controlled return mechanisms.
3Device complexity
If friction forces control the latch return mechanism, then device complexity is reduced, but reliability deteriorates due to random variation from cleanliness state and difficult-to-control parameters
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces friction-based mechanical return with pneumatic actuation. The positive pressure in the purge passage provides a controlled, predictable force to return the latch to its second position, eliminating the random variation caused by friction and cleanliness state.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the controlling parameter from friction (which varies with cleanliness and is difficult to control) to positive pressure in the purge passage (which is directly controllable through gas flow). This parameter change ensures predictable and reliable operation.
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 solution enhances safety by allowing safe disconnection with only one manual operation and reduces the risk of violent ejection, as the positive pressure maintains the latch in the release position until the downstream pipe is purged, protecting personnel and equipment.
Implementation Method 1
said latch is configured in such a manner as to be returned towards its second position at least in part by positive pressure in said purge passage
Data Source
AI summary
The coupling comprises a male plug (3) and a female element (2). A retaining latch (20) for retaining the plug (5) in the female element (7) is movable between a first position in which said latch (20) is capable of retaining the plug (5) engaged to a first depth in the female element (7) in which it is connected in leaktight manner to said female element, and a second position in which said latch (20) is suitable for retaining the male plug (5) engaged to a second depth that is smaller than the first depth. The latch (20) is configured in such a manner as to be returned (F3) towards the second position at least in part by positive pressure in a passage (4, 17, 26, 34) for purging the downstream pipe when the plug is at the second depth. In a variant embodiment, the coupling includes an adapter that the latch is suitable for retaining.