Rigid Coupling Device With Elastic Limit Stop Member
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing rigid couplings for pressurized fluid pipes require a complex arrangement of many components to achieve hydraulic balancing and locking, leading to increased production costs and complexity.
Innovation Solution
A rigid coupling design that incorporates a single elastically deformable retractable limit stop member with radial projections, allowing for simplified locking and return mechanisms, reducing the number of components and maintaining hydrodynamic performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a complex arrangement of many components is used to achieve hydraulic balancing and locking, then the reliability of the coupling is improved, but the device complexity and production cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple functions (limit stop, elastic element, locking mechanism) into a single integrated component. The retractable limit stop member combines the limit stop function with an elastic element and locking features, eliminating the need for separate components and reducing overall device complexity while maintaining reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The retractable limit stop member serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a limit stop for the shutter, provides elastic balancing forces to counter hydrodynamic forces, and engages with locking grooves to secure the coupled position. This multi-functionality reduces the number of components needed
2Reliability
If multiple components are used for locking and return mechanisms, then the operational reliability is improved, but the ease of manufacture deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the limit stop, elastic element, and locking mechanism into a single molded component. This integration simplifies manufacturing by reducing the number of parts that need to be produced, assembled, and quality-checked, while maintaining the operational reliability through the integrated design
3Device complexity
If a single elastic member is used to manage hydrodynamic forces, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ability to prevent accidental shut-off and maintain high-pressure resistance may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the geometric parameters of the elastic element, including its cross-sectional area, length, and elastic modulus, to generate sufficient restoring force to counteract high hydrodynamic forces. The limit stop's outward radial projection dimensions are carefully designed to engage securely with the inward radial projection, ensuring reliable locking under high pressure
Solution Approach 2:
The retractable limit stop member is made from an elastomeric material that combines flexibility for retractability with sufficient strength and rigidity to withstand high-pressure forces. This material selection ensures the single component can both deform elastically and maintain structural integrity under high pressure
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 reduces production costs and complexity while ensuring reliable operation by using a single elastic member to manage hydrodynamic forces, preventing accidental shut-off and maintaining high-pressure resistance.
Implementation Method 1
a retractable limit stop member (32) extended at the rear via the shutter (45) of the female element (3) and made of an elastically deformable material
Implementation Method 2
the forces exerted on the two small-diameter sealing members and on the annulus between the large and small diameter are of the same magnitude but of opposite directions, thus balancing the position of the mobile internal body
Data Source
AI summary
The rigid coupling device includes a closure valve extended by a retractable sliding stop member of general tubular shape made from elastically deformable material, having at least one outward radial projection forming a stop against a corresponding inward radial projection of a movable interior body that contains the valve. The stop member has an open end opposite the opening of the cylindrical cavity of one end connecting to the conduit. Simultaneous withdrawal of the interior body and of the valve into the interior body has the effect of causing this open end to contract, forcibly inserting it into the cylindrical cavity of the connecting end in such a manner as to overcome the stop.