Quick Disconnect Coupling with 1/3 Turn Engagement Ramps
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing quick disconnect couplings for conduits face challenges in efficiently engaging and disengaging under low to medium pressures, often requiring multiple turns and lacking robust connections, which can lead to deformation and operational difficulties.
Innovation Solution
A quick disconnect coupling design featuring a housing with a ring and moveable members, utilizing engaging and releasing ramps to facilitate a 1/3 turn engagement and disengagement, providing a robust three-dimensional surface contact for secure connection and disconnection, and incorporating a locking mechanism to prevent inadvertent unlocking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional quick disconnect couplings are used, then connection can be made, but multiple turns are required and engagement is not efficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs curved engagement surfaces and rounded geometries on the moveable members and adapters. The moveable members feature curved engagement surfaces that guide the adapter into proper alignment during rotation, while the ring has rounded outer surfaces for easy gripping. This curvature enables smoother rotational movement and faster engagement compared to conventional straight-edged couplings.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling mechanism uses moveable members that can dynamically shift positions within the housing. These moveable members are biased by springs and can be actuated by the ring to engage or disengage the adapter. This dynamic capability allows the system to transition quickly between locked and unlocked states, improving engagement speed and reducing the time required for connection and disconnection.
2Strength
If conventional quick disconnect couplings are used, then connection can be made, but robust connection is not achieved leading to deformation
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling is divided into multiple independent moveable members (typically three) that each independently engage with corresponding adapters. This segmentation distributes the connection forces across multiple contact points, preventing deformation that would occur in single-point engagement systems. Each moveable member can move independently to accommodate manufacturing tolerances and maintain uniform contact pressure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple engagement surfaces and contact points into a unified coupling system. The moveable members integrate sealing surfaces, engagement surfaces, and biasing mechanisms into single components that work together. This merging creates a robust connection system where multiple forces combine to maintain secure engagement and prevent deformation under pressure.
3Reliability
If conventional quick disconnect couplings are used, then connection can be made, but locking mechanism is insufficient preventing accidental disengagement
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling employs spring-biased moveable members that automatically return to their engaged position after being actuated. The springs provide continuous force to maintain the locked state, and the system self-corrects if disturbed. This self-service mechanism provides reliable locking without requiring complex external actuation systems, achieving high reliability with moderate complexity.
4Ease of operation
If conventional quick disconnect couplings are used, then connection can be made, but ease of operation is reduced due to multiple turns required
Solution Approach 1:
The ring features a rounded outer surface with ergonomic contours that facilitate easy gripping and rotation. The curved engagement surfaces on the moveable members guide the adapter smoothly into engagement during rotation. This spherical/curved geometry reduces the friction and mechanical resistance during the engagement motion, making the operation easier and more efficient compared to conventional couplings with sharp edges or flat surfaces.
Data Source
AI summary
A coupling includes a housing having a wall defining an interior space and extending along a central longitudinal axis. A ring is movably mounted with respect to the wall. At least one moveable member has an engagement surface for engaging with an adapter that is positionable within the interior space of the housing. One or more ramps are defined on the ring for (i) moving the engagement surface of the moveable member toward the central longitudinal axis upon moving the ring in one direction in order to engage the coupling to the adapter, and (ii) moving the engagement surface of the moveable member away from the central longitudinal axis upon moving the ring in an opposite direction in order to disengage the coupling from the adapter.