Spring-Loaded Latch Safety Coupling for Exhaust Extraction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing safety couplings for conduits, such as vehicle exhaust extraction systems, often rely on complex mechanical triggers that are prone to malfunction and require user adjustments, and lack a factory-set release force, making them unreliable and cumbersome for automatic disconnection and reconnection.
Innovation Solution
A safety coupling assembly featuring a first flange with recesses and a second flange with spring-loaded movable latches, allowing for independent selection of disconnection and reconnection forces, with disconnection exceeding 400 Newtons and reconnection requiring less than 40 Newtons, enabling easy manual reconnection without compromising safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If complex mechanical triggers are used for automatic disconnection, then the disconnection function is achieved, but the reliability deteriorates due to malfunction and user adjustments required
Solution Approach 1:
The safety coupling uses a spring-loaded latch mechanism that automatically releases when the pulling force exceeds the spring force, without requiring any external control system, sensors, or user intervention. The system serves itself by using the mechanical force of the spring to both engage and disengage the coupling based on the applied load
Solution Approach 2:
The patent removes complex control mechanisms, electronics, and adjustment components from the safety coupling system, retaining only the essential spring-loaded mechanical latch that provides automatic disconnection through pure mechanical force balance between the spring and applied load
2Reliability
If high disconnection force is used to ensure safety, then the safety is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to difficulty in reconnection
Solution Approach 1:
The spring-loaded latch mechanism dynamically responds to applied forces: under normal operation the spring maintains strong engagement force for safety, but when pulling force exceeds the spring force, the latch automatically transitions to the disengaged state, and during reconnection the spring dynamically adjusts to guide the latch back into engagement
3Extent of automation
If mechanical triggers are used for disconnection, then the disconnection function is achieved, but the device complexity increases and requires user adjustments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts all unnecessary complex components from the safety coupling, retaining only the essential spring-loaded latch mechanism that provides automatic disconnection through simple mechanical force balance, eliminating electronics, sensors, and adjustment mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The spring-loaded latch mechanism performs multiple functions: it provides the locking engagement during normal operation, automatically releases when force threshold is exceeded, and guides the reconnection process, eliminating the need for separate control systems or adjustment mechanisms
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, user-adjustment-free safety coupling that ensures predictable disconnection and easy reconnection, suitable for high-stress applications like vehicle exhaust systems, by utilizing distinct spring forces for disconnecting and reconnecting, reducing the risk of damage from mechanical impacts.
Implementation Method 1
at least one spring loaded movable latch designed to engage the at least one recess on the outer surface of the first coupling member
Implementation Method 2
The force required for disconnecting the two members of the safety coupling assembly is independently selectable from the force required for connecting the two members
Data Source
AI summary
A safety coupling assembly can be used to connect segments of a conduit, such as a hose or a flexible pipe. The safety coupling assembly comprises a female member and a male member, which are held together by spring operated toggle latches. The force required for connecting the female member with the male member of the safety coupling assembly can be selected independent from the force required for disconnecting the male member form the female member.