Serviceable Multi-Coupling Locking Mechanism for High-Pressure Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional multi-couplings with screw-type locking mechanisms in high-pressure environments are prone to galling, rendering them unusable and complicating maintenance, as galled locking mechanisms require cutting and often necessitate removing the fixed plate from base equipment, which is difficult and time-consuming.
Innovation Solution
A multi-coupling design featuring a primary locking mechanism with a drive screw and drive nut secured by a clam shell mechanism, allowing for independent release and removal as a unit while the fixed plate remains attached, along with satellite locking mechanisms that can also be removed independently, facilitating maintenance without dismounting the fixed plate.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a screw-type locking mechanism is used in a multi-coupling for high-pressure environments, then the locking mechanism can provide sufficient mechanical advantage to hold multiple fluid lines under pressure, but the threaded components are prone to galling which renders the locking mechanism unusable and complicates maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is divided into separate components: a screw assembly that can be independently removed from the body. This segmentation allows the screw to be replaced without replacing the entire locking mechanism or body, addressing the galling issue by enabling component-level replacement rather than complete system replacement.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the material parameters of the screw components by providing a screw assembly with a different material composition than the body. The screw assembly can be made from materials more resistant to galling in high-pressure environments, while the body maintains its corrosion-resistant nickel-based alloy composition.
2Ease of repair
If galled locking mechanism components are removed from a multi-coupling, then the locking mechanism can be replaced, but the fixed plate must be removed from base equipment which is difficult and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is segmented into a removable screw assembly and a fixed body portion. The screw assembly can be independently extracted from the body without removing the body from the base equipment, enabling maintenance without system disassembly and significantly reducing downtime.
Solution Approach 2:
The screw assembly is designed to be extractable from the body while the body remains installed on the base equipment. This extraction capability allows the galled screw components to be removed and replaced without disturbing the installed multi-coupling system, eliminating the time-consuming process of removing and re-installing the entire fixed plate.
3Strength
If conventional screw locking mechanisms are used, then the locking mechanism can secure the multi-coupling under high pressure, but maintenance requires cutting out galled components which can ruin the plates
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is divided into a replaceable screw assembly and a permanent body. This segmentation eliminates the need for cutting operations during maintenance, as the screw assembly can be independently removed and replaced through standard extraction procedures that do not damage the body or plates.
Solution Approach 2:
The screw assembly is designed as a consumable component that can be replaced without damaging expensive permanent components. The screw assembly absorbs the wear and galling effects, allowing it to be replaced while preserving the integrity of the body and plates, effectively making the screw assembly a sacrificial element.
Data Source
AI summary
A multi-coupling includes a fixed plate and a free plate, and a primary locking mechanism for locking the free plate to the fixed plate aligned to form multiple fluid passages through the multi-coupling. The primary locking mechanism may include a drive screw secured to the fixed plate engaged with a drive nut secured to the free plate, and a clam shell securing mechanism that secures the drive screw to the fixed plate. The clam shell halves are moveable to release the drive screw from the fixed plate independently of releasing drive screw from the drive nut. The multi-coupling further may include satellite locking mechanisms in combination with the primary locking mechanism. The satellite locking mechanisms may include satellite securing mechanisms that are moveable to release the satellite locking mechanism from the fixed plate. The locking mechanisms are removable while retaining the fixed plate fixed to base equipment.