Quick Pipe Coupling With Radial Sectors for High-Pressure Release
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current quick couplings for pipes are prone to rapid deterioration, are slow to fasten and unfasten, and often become inseparable due to material deposits, leading to instability under pressure and incompatibility with different types of couplings, with complex and costly manufacturing processes.
Innovation Solution
A quick coupling design featuring a body with a central axis, an annular sealing element with radial fastening sectors, and an extractor that moves along the central axis to transition between clamping and release positions, utilizing a circular fulcrum mechanism to facilitate easy assembly and disassembly without undercuts, ensuring durability and compatibility with existing couplings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If traditional quick coupling fastening elements are used, then connection can be made, but the fastening elements may move resulting in an unstable coupling that cannot withstand great pressures
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing element is divided into multiple independent fastening sectors (at least three) that can move radially independently. Each sector has a projection that engages with the groove on the joint, distributing the load and providing stable fastening under pressure without requiring a single large fastening element.
Solution Approach 2:
The fastening sectors are designed to be movable in the radial direction rather than fixed. They can move outward radially when the joint is inserted to engage with the groove, and move inward when the extractor is actuated to release the joint. This dynamic movement allows the coupling to adapt to insertion forces while maintaining stable fastening during operation.
2Strength
If forcing fastening is used with conical elements and nuts, then connection is secure, but fastening and unfastening operations are slow and require keys and other tools
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling system is designed to self-fasten during the insertion process. As the joint is pushed into the intake, the sealing elements are automatically compressed and their projections engage with the groove on the joint, creating a secure fastening without requiring external tools. The system self-unfastens when the extractor is actuated, allowing quick release without keys or tools.
Solution Approach 2:
The traditional mechanical fastening system using nuts, threads, and keys is replaced with a elastic-based system. The elastic sealing elements provide the fastening force through their radial movement and engagement with the groove, eliminating the need for threaded connections and manual tightening operations.
3Strength
If interlocking fastening is used, then connection is strong, but the fastening becomes inseparable due to deposits or material deterioration
Solution Approach 1:
The fastening sectors are designed with radial movement capability, allowing them to transition between an engaged state (projections in the groove) and a disengaged state (projections moved radially outward). This dynamic design prevents permanent interlocking even under high pressure, and allows easy separation when the extractor is actuated to move the sealing elements radially outward, releasing the joint without requiring forceful breaking of interlocks.
4Reliability
If complex coupling designs are used to improve reliability, then pressure withstanding is improved, but manufacturing complexity and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing element serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides the fastening mechanism through its radial sectors, creates the seal between the intake and joint, and enables the quick release function through its interaction with the extractor. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components and simplifies the overall structure while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing element is made from elastic material that can deform radially to engage and disengage the fastening sectors. This flexible elastic component replaces complex mechanical fastening mechanisms with a simple elastic element that provides both sealing and fastening functions, reducing manufacturing complexity while improving reliability.
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 provides a reliable, durable, and versatile quick coupling that can withstand high pressures, simplifies the assembly process, reduces production costs, and allows for easy use with various configurations, ensuring long-lasting and efficient fluid connections.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic sealing element, which is compressed radially by at least partially inserting the joint into the intake, thus fastening the joint to the intake
Implementation Method 2
the conical element is forced between the aforesaid base body and the joint, forming the fastening
Data Source
AI summary
An intake for quick coupling pipes, to form a joint, including a body defining a central axis and a first channel at least partially centered relative to the central axis to partially house the joint, an annular sealing element movably within the first channel including a plurality of fastening sectors to reciprocally radially move and define release and clamping positions, an extractor partially in the body, movable along the central axis relative to the body and allowing the sealing element to pass from the clamping position to the release position. The body includes an obstruction defining a ring within the first channel. The sealing element defines an interference portion interfering with the obstruction. The obstruction and interference portion form a circular fulcrum around which the fastening sectors rotate and provide the release position as result of opening thrust caused by the extractor or joint passing in the sealing element.