Tubular Quick Coupling Divisible Ring Safety Lock

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing quick-release tubular connectors in the automotive industry fail to ensure a secure, unremovable connection between fluid transport lines, as existing safety systems are removable and do not guarantee the connection once established.

Innovation Solution

A quick-release tubular connector featuring a flexible and breakable ring with a perimeter portion inside the first tubular element and a protruding breakable niche, which provides secure coaxial locking despite lock actuation, using radially inclined ribs and harpoon notches to block the second tubular element's extraction, and a breakable slot for disassembly.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a removable safety system (cover or sleeve) is added to prevent accidental release, then safety against unwanted disconnection is improved, but the connection cannot be made unremovable and secure in effective positions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesafety against unwanted disconnectionVSAvoidremovability when necessary

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The ring changes its state from intact (providing security) to broken (allowing removal). By changing the structural parameter of the ring from continuous to discontinuous, the system transitions between secured and removable states, resolving the contradiction between reliability and adaptability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The ring is designed with a breakable niche that divides it into separable portions. When broken, the ring segments can be removed independently, enabling disassembly while maintaining security when intact. This segmentation allows the system to satisfy both security and removability requirements

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of operation

If a lock mechanism is used to release the second tubular element, then ease of assembly and disassembly is improved, but the connection becomes vulnerable to uncontrolled dismantling

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvequick assembly and disassemblyVSAvoidsecurity against uncontrolled dismantling

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The ring acts as an intermediary security element between the lock mechanism and the tubular elements. Even when the lock is actuated, the intact ring maintains the connection, providing an additional layer of security that prevents uncontrolled dismantling while preserving quick operation when properly authorized

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If a flexible ring with breakable niche is introduced to provide secure locking, then reliability of connection is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecure coaxial lockingVSAvoidstructure of safety system

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The ring is designed as a flexible component that can deform during assembly and then maintain a rigid locking position. This flexibility allows the ring to be inserted easily and then provide secure locking, achieving high reliability without significantly increasing structural complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The ring transitions from a flexible state during insertion to a rigid locked state during operation. This dynamic behavior allows the same component to facilitate easy assembly and then provide secure locking, resolving the contradiction between simplicity and reliability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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 connector provides a quick and secure coupling that prevents uncontrolled dismantling, ensuring the connection remains secure until intentionally broken, allowing for easy assembly and disassembly while maintaining removability.

Implementation Method 1

a radially inclined rib so as, during the axial engagement of the second tubular element in the axial orifice, to move apart radially under the effect of the axial support of the circular rib on the inclined part of the rib and allow the passage of the circular rib then tighten behind the circular rib

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

an internal groove of the hollow body to axially block the second tubular element in the first tubular element

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical interlocking: Mechanical Fastener

Data Source

PatentEP3384196B1Tubular quick coupling comprising divisible ring for secure fluid connection

Publication Date: 2019.09.11 A RAYMOND & CO SCS

Figure 1~4B
Figure 5A~6B

AI summary

The invention relates to a tubular quick coupling (1) comprising a first tubular element (2) having a hollow connector body (4) that defines an axial opening (5) for receiving a second tubular element (3) provided with a circular rib (8), a lock (6) that is locked axially in the first tubular element (2) and radially actuatable to release the second tubular element (3) from the first tubular element (2) and a safety system (7) that prevents the second tubular element (3) from being withdrawn. The safety system (7) is a flexible and divisible ring (7) having a perimeter portion inside the first tubular element (2) between the inlet of the opening (5) of the body (4) and the lock (6) to ensure coaxial locking of the second tubular element (3) in the first tubular element (2) despite the actuation of the lock (6), and the ring (7) has at least one perimeter portion in the form of a divisible tab (16) projecting outside the body (4).