Cam-Lock Coupling Lever for Gradual Pressure Relief
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional cam-locking coupling assemblies can burst when the cam arms are turned to the unlocking position, causing injury and fluid ejection, due to internal pressure in pressurized systems.
Innovation Solution
A cam-lock actuating device with an actuatable lever, angularly positioning member, and releasably retaining members that gradually relieve pressure by compressing and decompressing an elastomeric gasket, allowing safe disengagement of tubular members without sudden pressure release.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the cam arms are turned to the unlocking position to disconnect tubular members, then the connection is quickly released, but the male coupling tube may burst from internal pressure causing injury and fluid ejection
Solution Approach 1:
The unlocking process is segmented into two distinct stages: a first unlocking position where the cam arm disengages from the locking hole but the gasket remains compressed, and a second unlocking position where the gasket is fully decompressed. This segmentation allows the system to transition from locked to fully unlocked state while controlling pressure release, preventing sudden bursts and fluid ejection.
Solution Approach 2:
Before completing the full unlocking action, the system first moves to an intermediate unlocking position that partially releases the locking mechanism while maintaining gasket compression. This preliminary action allows pressure to be contained during the initial disengagement phase, and only after this safe intermediate state is achieved does the system proceed to full unlocking where pressure is safely released.
2Ease of operation
If the cam arm is moved to the unlocking position, then the locking mechanism is released, but the elastomeric gasket remains compressed causing sudden pressure release
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs dynamic control of the gasket compression state through different cam arm positions. The cam arm can be positioned at a first unlocking position where the gasket transitions from compressed to partially decompressed, and then to a second unlocking position for full decompression. This dynamic positioning allows the operator to control the pressure relief process, ensuring reliable and safe operation.
3Ease of operation
If the locking end is moved to disengage from the locking hole, then the cam arm can be turned to unlocking position, but internal pressure causes the male coupling tube to burst
Solution Approach 1:
The elastomeric gasket serves as an intermediary element between the locking mechanism and the pressure-containing tubular members. By controlling the gasket's compression state through different cam arm positions, the system mediates the pressure release process. The gasket gradually decompresses as the cam arm moves from the first to the second unlocking position, preventing sudden pressure-induced bursting while allowing easy operation.
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 device enables safe and controlled connection and disconnection of tubular members, preventing injury and fluid ejection by gradually relieving internal pressure, ensuring operator safety and environmental protection.
Implementation Method 1
an elastomeric gasket disposed between the male tubular coupler and the female tubular coupler
Implementation Method 2
the trailing releasably retaining member is brought into frictional engagement with the retained region so as to permit the elastomeric gasket to be held in a normal state
Data Source
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AI summary
A cam-lock actuating device for use in a locking coupling assembly that couples two tubular members, includes an actuatable lever (20) having a head (21) pivotally mounted on a female tubular coupler (100), an angularly positioning member (51) coupled to be turned with the head (21), and leading and trailing releasably retaining members (55, 56) independently disposed on at least one of the head (21) and the angularly positioning member (51) such that, during turning of the actuatable lever (20) to an unlocked position, the trailing releasably retaining member (56) can be held in partially locking engagement with a male tubular coupler to prevent complete removal of the male tubular coupler from the female tubular coupler (100) while permitting gradual relief of internal pressure.