Quick Coupling Shutter Locking for Pressure-Safe Release
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current quick couplings require complex and costly machining for button shoulders, are user-dependent, and suffer from uncontrolled ejection risks and friction wear, leading to efficiency and safety issues over time.
Innovation Solution
The improved quick coupling employs a pneumatic pressure-controlled shutter mechanism that locks the connector until a predetermined pressure is reached, eliminating the need for complex button designs and reducing user dependency, with safety means locking the shutter at high pressures to prevent uncontrolled ejection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If conventional button design with offset shoulders is used, then mechanical locking function is achieved, but machining complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of creating complex internal shoulders within the button through difficult machining, the patent inverts the approach by creating external cam surfaces on the button that interact with corresponding surfaces on the connector. This allows the locking geometry to be formed on the exterior where it is much easier to machine, while achieving the same mechanical locking function through the cam interaction.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the complex internal mechanical shoulder structure with a simpler cam-based mechanical interaction. The cam surfaces convert the button's linear motion into the necessary rotational or lateral movement to engage and disengage the locking mechanism, eliminating the need for precision-machined internal shoulders and grooves.
2Ease of operation
If user-operated button release is used, then quick connection is achieved, but uncontrolled ejection risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a spring mechanism that provides continuous force feedback to the button and connector assembly. The spring ensures that the connector is gradually pushed out during release rather than being instantly ejected, providing controlled deceleration and preventing dangerous uncontrolled ejection while maintaining quick connection capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring mechanism acts as a cushioning element that is pre-loaded to control the release process. When the button is pressed to release the connector, the spring gradually absorbs the energy and controls the ejection speed, preventing sudden uncontrolled release while still enabling quick disconnection.
3Duration of action of moving object
If repeated button operations are performed, then quick coupling functionality is maintained, but friction wear increases leading to malfunction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the high-friction internal shoulder interaction with a cam-based mechanism that utilizes rolling or sliding contact on optimized surfaces. The cam profiles are designed to minimize contact pressure and friction, reducing wear during repeated operations while maintaining effective locking and release functionality throughout the coupling's service life.
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 safety and efficiency by automating the release process, reducing machining complexity and costs, and minimizing wear, ensuring reliable operation even after numerous use cycles.
Implementation Method 1
The command button can generally be operated in opposition to a spring
Implementation Method 2
when the male connector is released, the slider translates longitudinally due to the effect of pressure and locks the button
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
An improved quick coupling (1) is provided, comprising a casing (2) defining a longitudinal axis (2a), an outlet (20) and an inlet (25), and configured to receive at the inlet (25) at least part of an external connector (10) so as to put the external connector (10) and the outlet (20) in fluidic through connection with each other, a shutter (3) housed within the casing (2) so that it can translate along the longitudinal axis (2a) in opposition to opposing means (21), configured to house at least part of the external connector (10) and including retaining means (30) configured to lock at least part of the external connector (10) within the shutter (3) in at least one position along the longitudinal axis (2a), control means (4) accessible from the outside and including at least one first slider (40) housed within the casing (2) so that it can translate along a locking direction (4a) skewed with respect to the longitudinal axis (2a) in opposition to second opposing means (22), configured to house at least part of the shutter (3) and including locking means (41) configured to lock the shutter (3) within the first slider (40) in at least one position along the locking direction (4a), and safety means (5) configured to lock the shutter (3) when subjected to pressures higher than a predetermined threshold value caused by a fluid present within said coupling (1), wherein the shutter (3) locks the external connector (10) at least when the safety means (5) lock the shutter (3).