Automatic Coupling Assembly With Passive Emergency Decoupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional coupling devices for high-power test objects require manual intervention or continuous power supply for decoupling, posing safety risks and inefficiencies in emergency situations and assembly processes.
Innovation Solution
A coupling device with two connection modules that apply a coupling force and a counteracting decoupling force, allowing automatic decoupling upon interruption of the coupling force, utilizing actuators like pneumatic, hydraulic, or electromagnetic systems, and energy storage mechanisms for passive decoupling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual operation is used for coupling and decoupling, then safety personnel can access the coupling device in emergencies, but the decoupling process is slow and requires continuous human intervention
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling device is equipped with a sensor that automatically detects when the test object is removed, and a actuator that automatically executes the decoupling action without requiring manual intervention from safety personnel or continuous power supply, enabling the system to serve itself in emergency situations
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical operation with an automated sensor-actuator system that detects the test object's removal and triggers decoupling automatically, eliminating the need for continuous human intervention while maintaining emergency safety
2Extent of automation
If power-operated coupling devices are used, then decoupling can be automated, but the device requires continuous power supply and can injure installers during assembly or maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor is positioned to detect the test object's removal before the actuator activates, ensuring that the decoupling action only occurs when it is safe to do so, preventing accidental activation during assembly or maintenance work
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary detection of the test object's presence status before executing the decoupling action, ensuring that automation only activates when appropriate and preventing harmful accidental activation during assembly operations
3Reliability
If conventional coupling devices are used, then connection can be established, but the decoupling process requires continuous power supply or manual intervention causing downtime
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling device automatically detects when the test object is removed through the sensor and triggers the actuator to execute decoupling without requiring continuous power supply or manual intervention, enabling rapid reset and minimizing downtime between test objects
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor continuously monitors the test object's presence status and triggers periodic decoupling actions only when needed, rather than requiring continuous power supply for maintaining the decoupled state, reducing energy consumption and downtime
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
Enables fast, reliable, and automated decoupling in emergencies, improving safety and reducing downtime by allowing decoupling without manual intervention or continuous power supply, while maintaining a cost-effective and space-efficient design.
Implementation Method 1
The coupling force is provided by a pneumatic, hydraulic, electrical or electromagnetic actuator provided on the first connection module
Implementation Method 2
The coupling force is provided by a pneumatic, hydraulic, electrical or electromagnetic actuator provided on the first connection module
Implementation Method 3
The coupling force is provided by a pneumatic, hydraulic, electrical or electromagnetic actuator provided on the first connection module
Implementation Method 4
The decoupling force is provided by a mechanical, electrostatic or magnetic storage device that can absorb, store and release part of the energy provided by the coupling force
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
A coupling device (1) is provided with a first connection module (12) and a second connection module (14) which is detachably connectable to the first connection module (12). The first connection module (10) and the second connection module (14) form a connection (10). The coupling device (1) is configured to apply a coupling force that creates a connection between the first connection module (12) and the second connection module (14), and to apply a decoupling force that releases the connection. The decoupling force and the coupling force are applied from the first connection module (12) to the second connection module (14), and the decoupling force opposes the coupling force. The coupling force is provided by a pneumatic, hydraulic, electric, or electromagnetic actuator (20) provided on the first connection module (12).The decoupling force is provided by a mechanical, electrostatic, or magnetic storage device (24) that can absorb, store, and release some of the energy supplied by the coupling force. The coupling force is provided by a coupling mechanism, and the decoupling force is provided by a decoupling mechanism. The decoupling mechanism and the coupling mechanism form a single unit.