Split-Ring Fluidic Coupling Male Element for Precise Ball Housing Machining
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Solution Overview
Problem
The production of fluidic coupling elements with aggressive coolant media requires hard and non-ductile stainless-steel materials, leading to high machining forces and imprecision due to the need for machining of annular spaces and radial housings.
Innovation Solution
A male fluidic coupling element with a ring formed by assembling two integral parts, featuring longitudinal slots and projections that facilitate easy machining and assembly, allowing for radial movement of locking balls and improved manufacturing precision.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If hard and non-ductile stainless-steel materials are used for coupling elements to resist aggressive coolant media, then reliability is improved, but manufacturing precision deteriorates due to high machining forces
Solution Approach 1:
The ring is divided into two separate parts (first part and second part) that are assembled together. The radial housings are formed by longitudinal slots in the second part, which can be machined independently from the first part. This segmentation allows for easier and more precise machining of each component separately, avoiding the high machining forces problem when working with hard stainless steel materials.
2Ease of manufacture
If traditional machining methods are used to produce annular space and radial housings, then manufacturing capability is maintained, but manufacturing precision deteriorates due to high machining forces on hard materials
Solution Approach 1:
The ring is segmented into two parts that can be manufactured separately using conventional machining methods. The longitudinal slots creating radial housings are machined in the second part independently, allowing for better precision control. The two parts are then assembled to form the complete ring structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The radial housings are formed by longitudinal slots that extend along the axial dimension of the ring. This dimensional approach allows the slots to be machined from the end of the second part, providing excellent tool access and machining precision that would be difficult to achieve with traditional radial drilling methods.
Data Source
AI summary
A male element of a fluidic coupling intended to be coupled with a female element. The male element includes a ring, defining an annular space and in which ring radial housings are formed. Locking balls are received in the radial housings and are able to move radially between an inward position and an outward position. The balls are retained within their respective radial housings by narrowings having inner and outer projections provided where each respective radial housing meets the inner and outer faces of the ring. The ring has a first part and a second annular part, which parts are secured to one another. Longitudinal slots are provided in one of either the first or second parts of the ring.