C-Shaped Coupling Key with Detachable Adapter for Fire Hose Identification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing coupling keys for fire hoses lack a quick and reliable method for detecting specific coupling sizes, leading to inefficient operations in fire brigade scenarios, where speed and accuracy are crucial.
Innovation Solution
A C-shaped coupling key with defined key surfaces and a stop, allowing for easy identification of 'Storz A, B, C, D, and hazardous goods DN32 and DN50' sizes, and an adapter system for additional locking elements, enabling quick and precise coupling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional coupling keys with multiple cams are used to cover all clutch sizes, then the device can operate all coupling types, but the structure becomes large and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling key is segmented into a base unit with a single cam for standard couplings and a separate adapter component for A/B/C couplings. This segmentation allows the basic key to remain compact while the adapter provides additional functionality when needed, resolving the contradiction between versatility and compactness.
Solution Approach 2:
The adapter is designed with universal adaptability to work with A/B/C dummy couplers on pillar hydrants and fall casings. By making the adapter the universal component that attaches to the standard key, the system achieves multi-functionality without requiring each key variant to be large and complex.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple cams are added to cover additional clutch sizes, then more coupling types can be operated, but quick detection of specific coupling size becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter serves as an intermediary component that bridges the standard coupling key and A/B/C dummy couplers. The adapter has a triangular cross-section that clearly identifies it as the component for A/B/C couplings, while the key itself maintains its simple cam structure for quick identification of standard sizes. This intermediary approach allows multiple coupling types to be supported without complicating the size detection process.
3Device complexity
If a single key area is used for all operations, then the device remains compact, but additional locking elements cannot be actuated
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter is designed to be nested onto the coupling key, with the adapter's inner contour receiving the key's outer contour. This nesting arrangement allows the compact single-key design to be maintained while the outer adapter layer provides the additional functionality for actuating A/B/C dummy couplers and fall casings.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a coupling key with a key area (1) on which one or more key surfaces (1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 1.5) are formed, wherein the key area (1) is essentially C-shaped, and the key surfaces are located on a circumferential inner contour of the C-shaped key area (1), wherein a handle area (3) connects to at least one end of the C-shaped key area (1) and/or to a circumferential outer contour of the key area (1), and the coupling key has at least one adapter element (4) onto which an adapter (6) having a key contour can be detachably plugged, wherein the adapter element (4) is formed on the handle area (3) and/or on at least one end (1b, 1c) of the C-shaped key area (1) and/or on the circumferential outer contour of the key area (1).