Quick Coupling Locking Mechanism Without Sleeve Overtravel
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional push-to-connect quick couplings face issues with complex designs, require overtravel during connection, and have a deficient gripping surface, especially in small or tight spaces, due to the movement of the outer sleeve and complex geometries needed to restrain it.
Innovation Solution
A simplified quick coupling configuration using a single sleeve spring and smaller restrictive slots to house locking ball bearings, allowing axial constrainment without overtravel, where the outer sleeve's movement is inconsequential to connection, enabling easier operation and reduced complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional push-to-connect quick couplings use an outer sleeve that moves during connection, then the locking mechanism can function, but the gripping surface becomes deficient and operation becomes difficult in tight spaces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the sleeve restraint function from the outer sleeve itself and relocates it to the body through the axial slot configuration. The body's axial slot geometry directly constrains the outer sleeve's movement without requiring additional restraint components, simplifying the overall structure while maintaining operational ease.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of having the outer sleeve actively restrain itself through complex geometries, the invention inverts the approach by having the body's axial slot geometry passively constrain the outer sleeve. This reversal simplifies the outer sleeve design and provides a stable gripping surface.
2Ease of operation
If conventional configurations use alternative components like locking pins to hold the outer sleeve in place, then the gripping surface is improved, but the component geometry becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the sleeve restraint function with the body's existing axial slot structure. The axial slot serves dual purposes: it guides the locking balls during connection and simultaneously restrains the outer sleeve's axial movement. This consolidation eliminates the need for separate locking pin components while providing stable gripping surface.
Solution Approach 2:
The axial slot in the body is designed to perform multiple functions: it houses and guides the locking balls during connection operations and simultaneously acts as a restraint mechanism for the outer sleeve. This multi-functionality reduces the number of components needed while maintaining operational ease.
3Reliability
If conventional quick couplings require overtravel insertion for proper locking ball positioning, then the locking mechanism engages correctly, but the internal geometries become complex and construction is more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates preliminary action by pre-configuring the axial slot geometry in the body to automatically guide and position the locking balls at the correct engagement point. The axial slot's shape and positioning are designed beforehand to ensure proper locking ball alignment during insertion, eliminating the need for overtravel while maintaining reliable engagement.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the geometric parameters of the axial slot to optimize locking ball positioning. By adjusting the axial slot's dimensions, orientation, and profile, the design achieves correct locking ball engagement at the normal insertion position without requiring excessive travel, thereby simplifying manufacturing while ensuring reliable locking.
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
This design enhances the ease of connection and disconnection by eliminating the need for overtravel and complex geometries, providing a stable gripping surface and simplified construction, making it suitable for small and tight spaces.
Implementation Method 1
a spring positioned within the body and biased laterally outward against the locking members
Data Source
AI summary
An enhanced quick coupling configuration has a push-to-connect locking mechanism in which holding the outer sleeve does not affect the ability to connect the coupling, and the outer sleeve otherwise does not need to be restrained by additional components. The coupling includes a single sleeve spring in the locking mechanism, and the use of smaller restriction slots to house axially offset locking balls in a manner that axially constrains movement of the locking balls. When a male component is inserted into the female component during a connection operation, a shoulder on the male component sequentially contacts the axially offset rows of locking balls, which drive the inner sleeve axially in an inward direction. In the fully connected state, the inner sleeve is biased axially outward so as to push back against the inward locking balls, thereby preventing further movement of the inward locking balls.