Quick Disconnect Coupling Assembly With Self-Sealing Lock Indication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing quick connect/disconnect fluid couplings for aerospace applications are complex and costly due to the large number of machined parts required, complicating assembly and maintenance, and lacking in efficient self-sealing and visual indication of coupling status.
Innovation Solution
A simplified design using additive manufacturing to reduce the number of parts, incorporating flexible finger elements and snap rings for interlocking, and biasing members to facilitate easy assembly and reliable sealing, with visual locking indicators.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional machined parts are used for quick connect/disconnect couplings, then reliability and strength are improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple discrete machined parts into integrated components. The female coupler integrates the valve body, sealing sleeve, and valve member into a single component. The male nipple integrates the valve body, flow sleeve, and valve member into one piece. This merging reduces the total number of parts while maintaining the required reliability through additive manufacturing processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated coupling components perform multiple functions simultaneously. Each coupling member (female coupler and male nipple) combines sealing, flow control, and structural support functions in single components, eliminating the need for separate dedicated parts for each function.
2Reliability
If multiple machined parts are assembled together, then functional requirements are met, but assembly time and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple assembled parts into integrated components manufactured through additive processes. The female coupler is formed as one piece containing the sealing sleeve and valve member, while the male nipple is formed as one piece with its flow sleeve and valve member. This eliminates the assembly steps required for traditional multi-part constructions.
3Strength
If traditional coupling designs are used, then strength for high-pressure loads is achieved, but ease of manufacture decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the manufacturing parameter from traditional machining to additive manufacturing. This process transformation enables the production of complex integrated geometries that would be difficult or impossible to machine, while maintaining the structural strength required for high-pressure hydraulic applications through controlled material deposition and densification.
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 reduces assembly time and costs, enhances reliability, and provides quick disconnect capabilities with self-sealing and visual indication of coupling status, meeting industry standards while minimizing tooling and inventory needs.
Implementation Method 1
a resilient interlocking element, such as a flexible finger element or the like, that is configured to interlockingly engage with the sealing sleeve to permit the sealing sleeve to move between a forward and a rearward position
Implementation Method 2
biasing members to facilitate easy assembly and reliable sealing
Data Source
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AI summary
A quick connect/disconnect coupling having a male nipple and a female coupler, in which one or both of the coupling members provides a simplified construction with a reduced number of parts for minimizing assembly time and overall costs. The coupling member(s) may include unique interlocking elements, such as flexible finger elements, that slidably secure the valve sleeve(s) to the valve bodies. The female coupler may include a valve body with a unique interface, such as interlocking teeth, for rotatably coupling to a thread sleeve. The thread sleeve may have a bendable web for facilitating assembly of a spring for an actuating sleeve. The actuating sleeve may be formed with a hollow annular internal chamber. The male nipple may include the actuating sleeve instead of the female coupler. Other features also may be optimized, such as via additive manufacturing techniques, including coupling threads, fluid orifices, biasing members, and seal members.