Quick-Release Bottom Loading Coupler for Fast Seal Maintenance
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The existing bottom loading couplers require extensive disassembly and reassembly for maintenance, leading to significant downtime due to wear in components, particularly seals, which can result in uncontrolled product release and operational inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
A fluid coupling device with a body, poppet valve assembly, handle shaft assembly, and retention member that allows for quick disassembly and reassembly by using a through-hole and openings for the retention member to secure the handle shaft assembly, enabling easy access and replacement of worn components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the bottom loading coupler is designed with traditional fixed components and seals, then the structural integrity and sealing performance are maintained, but the disassembly and reassembly process becomes time-consuming and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The coupler body is divided into separable sections with quick-release latches that allow the coupling halves to be rapidly disconnected. The seal components are also segmented into modular units that can be independently replaced without disassembling the entire coupler structure, reducing maintenance time while maintaining sealing integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The quick-release latches are pre-positioned and spring-loaded to automatically engage sealing surfaces before full coupling is achieved. This preliminary sealing action ensures reliability is established before final connection, allowing for rapid assembly without compromising seal performance.
2Duration of action of stationary object
If the coupler components are made durable and wear-resistant, then the service life is extended, but the complexity of disassembly for component replacement increases
Solution Approach 1:
Wear-prone components such as seals and gaskets are segmented into modular elements that can be accessed and replaced independently. The coupler structure incorporates quick-release mechanisms that simplify disassembly of these components while maintaining the durability of the main body through selective material treatments and protective coatings.
Solution Approach 2:
The seal elements are extracted as separate, easily removable components from the coupler assembly. This allows worn seals to be quickly taken out and replaced without disassembling the entire coupler, thereby extending service life while minimizing disassembly complexity.
3Stability of the object's composition
If traditional fastening methods are used to secure components, then the structural stability is ensured, but the time required for assembly and disassembly increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The fastening system transitions from static threaded fasteners to dynamic spring-loaded latches that automatically engage and lock into place. These latches provide structural stability through positive mechanical engagement while allowing rapid cycling between assembled and disassembled states, significantly improving assembly speed without compromising stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The quick-release latches are designed to automatically engage sealing surfaces and lock into position without requiring manual alignment or additional fastening steps. This self-service mechanism ensures structural stability is achieved automatically during assembly, eliminating time-consuming manual fastening operations.
Data Source
AI summary
A fluid coupling includes a body, a poppet valve assembly, a handle shaft assembly, and a retention member. The body has a fluid conduit, a through-hole extending through a sidewall, and one or more openings that extend between an external surface of the body and an interior of the through hole. The poppet valve assembly is disposed within the fluid conduit and is selectively movable between an open position and a closed position. The handle shaft assembly extends through the through-hole and into the fluid conduit and is interconnected with the poppet valve assembly such that the handle shaft assembly can be actuated to move the poppet valve assembly between the open position and the closed position. The retention member is insertable through the one or more openings and into the through-hole to interact with the handle shaft assembly to selectively hold the handle shaft assembly in the body.