Universal Safety Coupler Preventing Pipe Whipping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional couplers in pressurized fluid systems lack a safety mechanism during connector release, leading to uncontrolled exit and pipe whipping, which causes damage and safety hazards, while safety couplers compromise on air flow rate, volume, and interchangeability to address this issue.
Innovation Solution
A universal safety coupler integrating a quick connect mechanism with a safety mechanism that includes a sliding internal valve and a thrust element to prevent involuntary release, maintaining flow rate and interchangeability while preventing pipe whipping.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a safety mechanism is added to prevent uncontrolled connector release, then safety is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the safety mechanism with the quick connect mechanism into an integrated assembly. The safety mechanism includes a safety cam, safety lobe, and retaining ring that work together with the collar and locking elements to provide both quick connection and safety functions in a unified structure, rather than as separate independent systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The safety mechanism is divided into distinct functional components: a collar with locking elements for quick connection, a safety cam with a safety lobe for preventing involuntary release, and a retaining ring for securing the connector. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function while maintaining overall system compactness.
2Reliability
If the inner diameter is reduced to maintain conventional coupler volumes with safety mechanism, then safety is improved, but air flow rate decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The safety cam is positioned at an angle relative to the connector axis, with its safety lobe engaging the connector at a specific angular position. This angular/dimensional arrangement allows the safety mechanism to function without blocking the central fluid flow path, maintaining the inner diameter and air flow rate while providing safety functionality.
3Productivity
If the outer volumes are significantly increased to maintain flow rate with safety mechanism, then air flow rate is preserved, but device complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The safety mechanism components are nested within the existing coupler structure. The safety cam is positioned within the coupler body, the retaining ring is nested on the connector, and the locking elements are integrated into the collar. This nesting arrangement provides safety functionality without significantly increasing the outer dimensions of the coupler.
4Reliability
If a safety mechanism is implemented to prevent pipe whipping, then safety is improved, but interchangeability of various connector profiles is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The safety cam is designed with a universal engagement feature that can accommodate different connector profiles. The safety lobe engages with a corresponding feature on various connector types through the same engagement mechanism, allowing the safety function to work across multiple connector standards without requiring profile-specific safety mechanisms.
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
Ensures safe and controlled release of connectors, preventing pipe whipping while maintaining air flow rate, volume, and interchangeability, thus enhancing operator and system safety.
Implementation Method 1
a resilient element (112) thrusting the valve (110) in closed position
Implementation Method 2
Collar 150 is thrust by means of a resilient element 152, e.g. a spring
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2a~2b
Figure 3a~3b
AI summary
A universal safety coupler (100) intended to receive a connector of a pressurized system, said coupler (100) being the female component and said connector being the male component provided with a groove, said coupler (100) comprising: - a main body (101) inside which is housed an internal valve (110) which can be actuated from a closed position to an open position, said main body (101) comprising a connection portion (103) intended to receive the connector; - a quick connect mechanism to allow for the connection and disconnection of the connector under sealed conditions, said mechanism comprising a collar (150) slipping over the outside of the main body (101), sliding longitudinally thereon, and which can be actuated manually to enable/disable at least one locking element (14) engaging with the groove of the connector; - a safety mechanism for preventing the release of the connector even after the collar (150) has been actuated to allow for disconnection of the connector, said safety mechanism comprising a thrust element (47, 300) placed inside the connection portion (103), sliding longitudinally therein, which can be actuated to enable/disable a holding element engaging with the groove of the connector.