Vibration-Lock Coupling Assembly for Secure Fluid Conduit Joints
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional coupling assemblies for connecting fluid conduits face challenges in maintaining a secure connection while minimizing material usage and resisting lateral deflection, and they often require complex locking mechanisms that are prone to accidental disengagement due to vibrations.
Innovation Solution
A Snap-To-Connect (STC) joint with a vibration lock, featuring a release sleeve lock ring, a spring for axial bias, and flexible locking lugs that engage with slots on a flange, along with a vibration lock pin and release slot configuration, which allows for secure engagement and disengagement without specialized tools and resists vibrations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional locking mechanisms are used in coupling assemblies, then the connection can be secured, but the assembly becomes prone to accidental disengagement due to vibrations and requires complex mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the vibration-prone complex locking mechanism and replaces it with a simple vibration lock pin and release slot system. The release sleeve with lock ring provides a straightforward disengagement mechanism that eliminates the need for complicated locking systems while maintaining connection security against vibrations.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling assembly utilizes fluid pressure from the conveyed fluid to automatically maintain the locked position. The pressure differential created by the smaller inner diameter of the first member increases fluid pressure, which in turn increases the locking force between members, creating a self-reinforcing locking mechanism that resists vibrations without additional complexity.
2Loss of substance
If material usage is minimized in coupling assemblies, then manufacturing efficiency improves, but resistance to lateral deflection decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by concentrating material strategically where needed for strength. The flange with slots and locking lugs provides localized reinforcement at the connection point to resist lateral deflection, while the rest of the structure uses minimal material. The corrugation in the second conduit provides localized structural support with minimal material addition.
3Reliability
If flexible locking lugs are used to engage with flange slots, then the coupling provides vibration resistance, but the structure requires additional components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple functions into the flange and locking lug assembly. The flange provides structural support, the slots provide alignment and engagement paths, and the locking lugs provide both vibration resistance and positional locking. The release sleeve combines the disengagement function with the vibration lock mechanism, reducing the need for separate components.
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 solution provides a reliable, vibration-resistant, and efficient coupling mechanism that maintains a secure connection under fluid pressure, allowing for easy assembly and disassembly while adhering to industry standards for vibration resistance.
Implementation Method 1
a spring for applying a spring force to the retainer sleeve in an axial direction away from the second member
Implementation Method 2
flexible locking lugs configured to engage a plurality of slots disposed in the second member flange
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 2A
AI summary
A coupling assembly (10) may include a first member (20) and a second member (40), a release sleeve (110) movably connected to the first member, a retainer sleeve (70), and a spring (100). The second member includes a second member flange (50). The spring may be configured to apply a spring force to the retainer sleeve. The spring force may biases the retainer sleeve into a positive engagement with the second member flange.