Quick Release Connector Safety Button for Controlled Plug Disengagement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional quick release connectors risk accidental separation of the plug due to high pressure gas, potentially causing harm to equipment or personnel.
Innovation Solution
A quick release connector with a safety button mechanism that includes a casing, cap, safety button, button spring, sliding body, and balls, allowing controlled disengagement to prevent sudden separation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If a conventional quick release connector is used to connect high pressure gas, then the pneumatic tool can receive high pressure gas for work, but the plug and connector may accidentally separate and hit equipment or persons due to high pressure gas pushing them apart
Solution Approach 1:
The safety button mechanism applies preliminary anti-action by requiring a deliberate button press to overcome the ball engagement force before disengagement can occur. The button press moves the sliding body to push balls outward, creating a counter-force to the high pressure gas that would otherwise cause accidental separation. This preliminary action prevents unintended disconnection while maintaining secure connection under pressure.
2Ease of operation
If the sliding sleeve is moved back to disengage balls from the plug, then the plug can be removed, but the high pressure gas may push the connector and plug away from each other during disengagement
Solution Approach 1:
The safety button mechanism performs preliminary action by requiring the user to press the button before disengagement occurs. This preliminary button press activates the sliding body to move balls outward, preparing the connection for controlled disengagement. The high pressure gas is vented through the button passage during this process, reducing its harmful impact before the plug is fully removed.
3Reliability
If a safety button mechanism is added to prevent accidental separation, then connection reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The safety button mechanism merges multiple functions into a single integrated assembly. The sliding body combines the safety button actuation, ball displacement, and gas venting functions. The button passage integrates with the engagement chamber to provide controlled gas release. This merging reduces overall system complexity compared to having separate mechanisms for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The sliding body serves multiple functions: it acts as the safety button actuator, displaces balls for engagement/disengagement, and controls gas flow through the button passage. The safety button mechanism itself provides both the locking function (preventing accidental disengagement) and the controlled release function (allowing intentional disengagement with gas venting). This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components.
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
Ensures safe and controlled release of the plug by preventing accidental separation, enhancing safety in high-pressure applications.
Implementation Method 1
The button spring is disposed in the button chamber and between the safety button and the casing to provide a force to push the safety button toward the button opening of the button chamber
Implementation Method 2
The sliding spring is disposed in the engagement chamber between the casing and the sliding body to provide a force to push the sliding body toward the cap
Implementation Method 3
During disengagement, high pressure gas inside the conventional quick release connector will push the conventional quick release connector and the plug away from each other
Data Source
AI summary
A quick release connector has a casing, a safety button, a button spring, a sliding body, and a sliding spring. The safety button is movably disposed in the casing and has an upper rib and a lower rib having a slope facing away from the upper rib. The button spring is disposed between the casing and the safety button. The sliding body is slidable relative to the casing and the safety button and has a first flange and a second flange having a conical surface facing the first flange. The sliding spring is disposed between the casing and the sliding body. To disconnect a plug from the quick release connector, the safety button is pressed to block the sliding body by an engagement between the first flange and the upper rib, and then the safety button is released to release the plug.