Quick Release Coupling Drogue Assembly Locking Ring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional screw joint systems for coupling and drogue assemblies in hose and drogue refueling systems require disassembly of surrounding parts for installation and removal, increasing maintenance and repair time due to the need to manage numerous pieces, even if they are not involved in the malfunction.
Innovation Solution
A quick release system utilizing a coupling connector with metallic balls and a locking ring, allowing for radial movement and secure engagement/disengagement between the coupling and drogue, reducing the complexity and time required for assembly and disassembly by enabling easy transition between locked and released positions through rotation of the locking ring.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional screw joint systems are used for coupling and drogue assemblies, then secure connection is achieved, but installation and removal require disassembly of surrounding parts, increasing maintenance time and complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling assembly is divided into modular components: a coupling body with multiple cavities containing metallic balls, and a drogue body with corresponding recesses. This segmentation allows independent maintenance of each module without disassembling the entire assembly, reducing maintenance time while preserving connection security through the ball-and-recess locking mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a static screw joint to a dynamic quick-release mechanism. The metallic balls can move between engaged and disengaged positions within their cavities, allowing the coupling to quickly transition between locked and unlocked states. This dynamic capability enables rapid installation and removal without manual disassembly of surrounding parts.
2Reliability
If conventional screw joint systems are used for coupling and drogue assemblies, then secure connection is achieved, but the number of pieces to manage increases, making maintenance more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple fastening functions are merged into a single integrated quick-release system. The coupling body incorporates multiple cavities with metallic balls that collectively provide both connection security and release capability. This consolidation reduces the number of separate fastening components that must be managed during maintenance while maintaining reliable connection through the distributed ball-and-recess engagement points.
3Reliability
If multiple bolts and ring assemblies are used to secure coupling and drogue, then secure connection is achieved, but assembly and disassembly require managing numerous pieces, increasing task complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The complex multi-bolt and ring assembly system is extracted and replaced with a simplified quick-release mechanism. The essential fastening function is retained through the metallic balls engaging with recesses, while the cumbersome bolts, multiple rings, and associated hardware are eliminated. This extraction maintains connection security through the ball-locking mechanism while dramatically simplifying assembly and disassembly operations.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention refers to a quick released system for coupling (1) and drogue (2) assembly comprises a crown coupling connector (4) suitable for being fixed to the coupling (1) and comprising cavities (14); a plurality of balls (3) housed in the cavities (14) with an emerging part and radially movable; a crown drogue connector (5) suitable for being fixed to the drogue (2), configured to engage and disengage the coupling connector (4) and comprising first recesses (26); and a crown locking ring (6) rotatable between a locked and a released position and comprising second recesses (31). The second recesses (31) are arranged in correspondence with the first recesses (26) when the system is in a released position and, the locking ring (6) in contact with the balls (3) and the first recesses (26) engaged with the emerging part of the balls (3) when the system is in a locked position.