Quick Coupling Pivoting Member Friction Torque Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing quick coupling systems for pressurized fluid pipes face premature wear and reduced reliability due to high friction torque when misaligned, which increases the force required for coupling and limits the range of misalignment they can accommodate.
Innovation Solution
A quick coupling element with a pivoting connecting member that includes a spring exerting an elastic force to reduce friction torque by positioning the friction force closer to the pivot point, and a secondary surface for axial support, minimizing wear and ensuring safe operation even under pressure variations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a pivoting connecting member is used to accommodate misalignment, then the coupling can handle lateral offset, but the friction torque increases with fluid pressure causing premature wear
Solution Approach 1:
The patent relocates the friction contact zone from the front of the connecting member to its rear, changing the spatial dimension of friction application. This dimensional shift moves the friction force application point closer to the pivot axis, reducing the lever arm and consequently the friction torque that opposes pivoting during misalignment accommodation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a friction-reducing element (such as a friction plate or lubricated interface) as an intermediary between the connecting member and the body. This intermediary component mediates the friction interaction, reducing the direct friction torque on the pivoting connecting member while still allowing the necessary friction for sealing and positioning.
2Reliability
If the friction force is exerted at a large axial distance from the pivot point, then sealing is maintained, but the resisting torque increases requiring high coupling force
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the axial position dimension of the friction contact zone from the front (large distance from pivot) to the rear (small distance from pivot) of the connecting member. This dimensional repositioning reduces the lever arm of the friction force, thereby reducing the resisting torque while maintaining sealing through the friction interface.
3Force
If spring force is used to press the connecting member against the body, then friction torque is reduced, but axial positioning stability must be maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the axial positioning function into two distinct mechanisms: a spring that provides friction force to reduce torque, and a separate axial stop that provides hard positioning. This segmentation allows the spring to operate at the rear of the connecting member for torque reduction while the axial stop maintains stable axial positioning without interfering with the friction torque reduction mechanism.
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 the torque required for coupling, extends the service life of the coupling by minimizing wear, and ensures safe operation by reducing friction force with increasing pressure, allowing for greater misalignment tolerance.
Implementation Method 1
a spring (3) exerting on a portion (214) of the connecting member (2) an elastic force (F1) directed towards the rear of the connecting element and capable of pressing said portion (214) against a surface (12) of the body (1)
Implementation Method 2
a friction torque is generated, this friction torque increasing with the pressure of the fluid present in the pipe connected to the coupling element comprising the connecting member
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
This connecting element (A) comprises a body (1) for fixing to a support (10A), and a connecting member (2) equipped with a shut-off valve and mounted in the body with the possibility of pivoting, a sealing gasket (6) being disposed between the body (1) and the connecting member (2). This element (A) includes a spring (3) exerting an elastic force (F1) on a portion (214) of the connecting member (2), directed towards the rear (C1) of the connecting element and capable of pressing a first surface (216) of the connecting member (2) against a surface (12) of the body (1). The connecting member is provided with a second surface (219), capable of bearing against an axial stop (4) in the event of displacement of the connecting member (2) towards the front of the connecting element (A) relative to the body (1).