Sliding Sleeve Coupling for Accidental Release Resistance
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing releasable coupling devices, such as snap hooks and trigger clips, are prone to accidental opening or release during use, particularly when subjected to tensile forces, which can lead to risks of harm to animals, users, or equipment failure.
Innovation Solution
A releasable coupling device featuring a body with an aperture and a moveable sleeve that slides between open and closed positions, defining a track to guide attachments and resist decoupling, with a resiliently deformable member to auto-lock the sleeve in the closed position, reducing the risk of accidental opening.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional snap hooks or trigger clips are used for coupling, then the device structure is simple and ease of operation is good, but the reliability is poor due to accidental opening under tensile forces
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling device employs a dynamic sleeve that can move between open and closed positions along the bolt axis. The sleeve is biased by a spring to automatically transition to the closed position after opening, providing dynamic response to tensile forces and preventing accidental disengagement while maintaining operational simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling device is divided into distinct functional segments: a body with aperture, a movable sleeve, and a resiliently deformable member. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently while working together to enhance reliability without significantly increasing overall complexity
2Reliability
If a secure coupling mechanism is implemented to prevent accidental release, then the reliability improves, but the ease of operation may deteriorate due to additional locking mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling device performs part of its operation automatically through the spring-biased sleeve that self-returns to the closed position after being opened. This self-service mechanism maintains secure connection without requiring additional manual locking steps, preserving ease of operation while enhancing reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The resiliently deformable member is pre-configured to automatically counteract forces that might cause accidental opening. The spring bias creates a preliminary counter-force that opposes unintended sleeve movement, preventing accidental release while requiring only simple manual action for intentional coupling
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 device provides a secure and reliable means of coupling attachments, resisting decoupling forces and accidental releases, ensuring a safer and more stable connection in various applications, including pet control, sailing, and other industries.
Implementation Method 1
The releasable coupling device may further comprise a resiliently deformable member configured to urge the sleeve into the closed position
Data Source
AI summary
A releasable coupling device for use with a pet includes a body, having an aperture, and a sleeve that is positioned at least partially around, and moveable relative to, at least a portion of the body. The sleeve is moveable between an open position in which at least a portion of the aperture is at least partially unoccluded so as to permit coupling of the device to an attachment receivable within the aperture, and a closed position in which at least a portion of the aperture is at least partially occluded so as to resist decoupling of the device by removal of an attachment from the aperture. The device defines a track configured to guide an attachment receivable within the aperture along a movement path.