Spring-Actuated Hose Coupling for Automatic Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Quick-release couplings for hoses and pipelines, particularly in injection molding technology, face the risk of unintentional detachment due to manual locking errors or lack of visual contact, leading to potential misconnection or disconnection issues.
Innovation Solution
A coupling system featuring a plug-in nipple with latching elements and a locking sleeve that moves axially, utilizing a compression spring and restricted guidance to automatically secure and release the connection, eliminating the need for manual locking and ensuring secure attachment and detachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a manual locking sleeve is used to secure the plug to the coupling part, then the connection can be detached, but the risk of unintentional detachment increases due to manual locking errors or forgetfulness
Solution Approach 1:
The locking sleeve is equipped with a spring mechanism that automatically returns it to the locking position after the plug is inserted. The system self-secures the connection without requiring manual intervention to maintain the locked state, eliminating the risk of human error or forgetfulness in manual locking operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring mechanism pre-positions the locking sleeve in the locking state, creating a default secure condition. This preliminary anti-action counteracts any tendency toward unintentional detachment by maintaining constant spring pressure that keeps the locking elements engaged unless actively released.
2Manufacturing precision
If visual contact with the coupling is required to ensure proper connection, then connection accuracy improves, but the system becomes unusable in positions without visual access
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling system incorporates auditory feedback through clicking sounds that occur when locking elements engage with the plug. This acoustic signal provides confirmation of proper connection without requiring visual contact, allowing operators to verify connection status through sound alone.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces visual verification with acoustic verification. The mechanical engagement of locking elements produces audible clicks that serve as a substitute for visual confirmation, enabling reliable connection verification in positions where visual contact is not possible.
3Stability of the object's composition
If a locking sleeve with restricted guidance is used to prevent rotation, then connection stability improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The anti-rotation function is merged into the locking sleeve itself through integrated guide elements. The guide grooves and guide surfaces are incorporated directly into the locking sleeve structure, combining the locking and anti-rotation functions in a single component rather than requiring separate mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking sleeve serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides the locking action through spring actuation, prevents rotation through integrated guide elements, and maintains connection stability. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components, balancing stability requirements with device complexity.
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 system reduces the risk of unintentional detachment and allows for simple, safe connection and disconnection, even in positions without visual contact, by using a spring-actuated locking sleeve that automatically switches between holding and release positions.
Implementation Method 1
The coupling system (1) also includes a compression spring (9), which acts on the locking sleeve (4) with an axial actuating force
Implementation Method 2
The forced guidance (10) allows a limited relative axial movement of the locking sleeve (4) with respect to the coupling body (3)
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
The invention relates to a coupling system (1) for hoses and pipes, comprising: - a plug nipple (2), - a coupling body (3) with one or more locking elements (6) by means of which the plug nipple (2) can be fixed to the coupling body (3), and - a locking sleeve (4) which is movably held on the coupling body (3) by means of a positive guide (10), by means of which positive guide (10) a) the locking sleeve (4) can be moved relative to the coupling body (3) into a first relative position (R1) in which the plug nipple (2) is fixed to the coupling body (3) by means of the one or more locking elements (6), and by means of which positive guide (10) b) the locking sleeve (4) can be moved relative to the coupling body (3) into a second relative position in which the fixation between the one or more locking elements (6) and the plug nipple (2) is released, wherein the coupling system (1) comprises at least one spring (9).which is connected to the coupling body (3) and the locking sleeve (4) and applies an axial actuating force and a torque to the locking sleeve (4) relative to the coupling body (3) for the purpose of automatically changing from the second relative position to the first relative position (R1).