Quick Coupling Internal Slide Locking to Prevent Mis-Latch
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional quick couplings with push-to-connect locking mechanisms in fluid systems, such as breathing apparatuses, are prone to mis-latch failures due to the cocking ring's interaction with locking balls, leading to unreliable connections, which can be dangerous in buddy breather systems.
Innovation Solution
The enhanced quick coupling design incorporates a slider and locking sleeve with recesses that allow the nipple to pass by locking balls during connection and disconnection, eliminating the need for a cocking ring and preventing mis-latch by ensuring locking balls are in a radially inward position, with a spring-loaded mechanism for secure engagement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a cocking ring is used to hold locking balls against the locking sleeve, then the connection is secured, but the locking mechanism becomes prone to mis-latch failures when the cocking ring is pushed back
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the cocking ring from the locking mechanism entirely. Instead of using a separate cocking ring to hold locking balls, the design uses a spring-loaded locking sleeve that automatically engages with locking balls during insertion, eliminating the component that causes mis-latch failures.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism is designed to be self-actuating during insertion. The spring-loaded locking sleeve automatically moves to engage the locking balls without requiring separate manual operation of a cocking ring, making the system self-service and eliminating the mis-latch risk associated with manual cocking ring operation.
2Reliability
If locking balls are used to secure the connection, then the valve is held in the open position, but mis-latch can occur forcing the valve assembly to remain open unintentionally
Solution Approach 1:
The spring-loaded locking sleeve is pre-configured to automatically engage the locking balls in the correct position during insertion. This preliminary positioning action prevents the harmful mis-latch condition where locking balls could be forced into an incorrect position that would unintentionally hold the valve open.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring-loaded locking sleeve acts as an intermediary between the insertion force and the locking balls. It mediates the engagement process by controlling when and how the locking balls are positioned, preventing direct force transmission that could cause mis-latch and unintentional valve opening.
3Productivity
If a conventional push-to-connect mechanism is used, then quick connection is achieved, but the interaction between cocking ring and locking balls creates mis-latch risk
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the cocking ring function and locking sleeve function into a single spring-loaded locking sleeve component. This integration eliminates the harmful interaction between separate components while maintaining the quick connection capability, as the unified component performs both cocking and locking functions simultaneously without mis-latch risk.
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 configuration ensures a reliable and secure connection by preventing mis-latch, enhancing safety and usability in critical applications like buddy breather systems by allowing the nipple to pass by locking balls during operations, thus maintaining a secure connection without the risk of mis-latch.
Implementation Method 1
An outer ring-shaped or annular locking sleeve is spring loaded and pushed back permitting a plurality of locking balls to fall into a locking groove on the nipple to hold the connection
Implementation Method 2
When the user releases the nipple, thereby removing the insertion force, a valve spring pushes the valve, interface seal, and nipple back against the locking balls to provide a secure connection
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
A coupler assembly (10) includes a valve (14) with a locking ball locking mechanism. A locking sleeve (34) is configured to interact with the locking balls (30) to lock the valve in the connected position when the coupler assembly is connected to a nipple. A slider (48) is positioned radially between the ball body (26) and the locking sleeve, and longitudinally inward relative to the locking balls. During a connection operation the slider is moveable along the ball body to permit movement of the locking balls into an inner recess defined by the locking sleeve. This permits insertion of the nipple past the locking balls as the valve moves toward the connected position. The slider is biased to return to the first slider position when the valve is in the second valve position During a disconnection operation, the locking sleeve is moved from a first sleeve position to a second sleeve position. As the nipple moves longitudinally outward, a surface of a locking shoulder of the nipple moves the locking balls into an outer recess of the locking sleeve to permit removal of the nipple from the coupler assembly.