Quick Coupling With Shape Memory Locking for Hot Coolant Release
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing quick couplings for temperature-controlled systems do not adequately prevent accidental release when the coolant is still hot, posing a risk of scalding injuries to operators.
Innovation Solution
A quick coupling with a temperature-controlled locking mechanism using a shape memory alloy that changes shape at a specific temperature to lock the coupling components, ensuring secure engagement and preventing movement when the coolant is hot.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a conventional quick coupling is used without temperature control, then the ease of operation is improved (quick connection/disconnection), but the safety deteriorates (risk of scalding injuries when releasing hot coolant)
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism changes its mechanical properties based on temperature parameter. The shape memory alloy transitions between martensitic (soft, deformable) and austenitic (hard, locked) phases as temperature changes, automatically preventing release when coolant is hot while allowing quick connection/disconnection when cool
Solution Approach 2:
The conventional purely mechanical locking system is replaced with a thermally-responsive locking system using shape memory alloy. The mechanical locking action is substituted with a temperature-driven phase transformation that automatically engages or disengages the locking function based on coolant temperature
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a temperature-controlled locking element is added to prevent hot coolant release, then the safety is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The shape memory alloy locking element is self-actuating based on temperature. It automatically transitions between locked and unlocked states in response to coolant temperature changes without requiring external control systems, sensors, or additional actuation mechanisms, thus adding safety without proportionally increasing complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism uses shape memory alloy, a composite material exhibiting both metallic strength and temperature-responsive shape transformation. This single material provides both the structural locking function and the temperature-sensing function, integrating multiple roles into one component rather than requiring separate elements
3Reliability
If a shape memory alloy locking part is used, then the reliability of temperature-dependent locking is improved, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The shape memory alloy is applied locally only to the locking element rather than the entire coupling assembly. This concentrates the complex manufacturing requirements to a single small component where precision forming techniques can be effectively applied, while the rest of the coupling maintains conventional manufacturing simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The shape memory alloy locking element is pre-formed in its austenitic (locked) shape during manufacturing. During assembly, it is temporarily deformed into the martensitic (unlocked) state for installation, then recovers its pre-formed locked shape when exposed to operating temperatures, ensuring reliable temperature-dependent locking without requiring high precision during final assembly
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 shape memory alloy-based locking mechanism provides reliable, temperature-dependent locking, preventing accidental release and ensuring operator safety by maintaining the coupling until the coolant cools down.
Implementation Method 1
the temperature-controlled locking means comprises a locking part made of a shape memory alloy
Implementation Method 2
The shape change is based on a temperature-dependent lattice transformation from one structure (phase) to another
Data Source
Figure 1~2
AI summary
The invention relates to a quick-action coupling for fluid lines, comprising a coupling sleeve for receiving a coupling plug and a locking device having a closure sleeve axially displaceable on the coupling sleeve and at least one locking element radially movable in a bore of the coupling sleeve, said locking element being radially or axially movable and lockable via the closure sleeve. A temperature-controlled locking means is arranged on the coupling sleeve (1) or on the closure sleeve (3), which locking means inhibits the axial movement of the closure sleeve when a limit temperature is exceeded. The temperature-controlled locking means comprises a locking part (4) made of a shape memory alloy.