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Quick release connector

Quick release connector

Quick release connector

(OP)
I am looking for a quick release ball connector similar to a hose connector. My application would be to hold two dies together under 35,000 lbs. of pressure so I don't need a pneumatic or hydraulic coupler that allows anything to pass thru the connector I just need a solid connector that can hold at least 35,000 lbs. and be able to release under a load.
Is anyone familiar with something like this?

RE: Quick release connector

abanders,

Is that 35000lb force, or 35000psi pressure?

There are all sorts of things out there with spring loaded balls, but it takes a lot less than 35000lb force to pull them apart. Are the balls going to hold 35000lb, or do they merely retain some sort of shear pin? If the ball retains a shear pin, the shear pin also will be retained by friction due to the force, especially if it is 35000lb.

Perhaps a drawing would help.

--
JHG

RE: Quick release connector

(OP)
drawoh,
I have a 2 piece die, the top half is bolted solid to a machine frame the other half is moved up and down by a pneumatic cylinder on linear shafts. The purpose of the die is to seal 2 sheets of film together. When the lower die contacts the upper die there are air bladders in the upper die that are inflated pushing a heated seal plate down which pushes against the 2 films and lower die with up to 35,000 lbs. of down force. After the seal process is finished the pressure is released from the bladders so there wouldn't be 35,000 lbs. of force being applied to the lower die after the seal process. I need to be able to keep the lower die from being pushed down. This is where I wanted to use some kind of quick connect ball lock to hold the 2 dies together.

RE: Quick release connector

abanders,

How would the ball pins be oriented? If the pin is loaded in tension, the balls are loaded in shear by the 35,000lb force. You either have one heck of a pre-load spring, or you have some way of engaging and disengaging the balls. Also, you will have some very high contact stresses. Read up on ball bearings in your machine design text.

If the pins are in shear, the 35,000lb force will hold them in place while the machine is working. It should be loose once the force is off. I see little benefit to the balls. Structurally, this sounds like a more feasible design.

--
JHG

RE: Quick release connector

Scetch please? Could this be done pneumatically through cylinder regualtion?

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