Double-Lever Cam Lock With Pivoting Safety Lock for Pressurized Opening
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional cam lock fittings lack a safety mechanism to prevent unintended discharge of pressurized contents, as operators cannot determine if the fitting is under pressure before opening, potentially leading to injury or environmental damage.
Innovation Solution
A cam lock fitting with a pivoting locking member and double cam levers that require the outer handle to be opened first, allowing partial opening and re-closure if pressure is detected, featuring a lever latching mechanism and air vent to prevent inadvertent discharge.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional cam lock fittings are opened without pressure detection, then quick operation is achieved, but accidental discharge of pressurized materials occurs causing injury or environmental damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by requiring the outer handle to be opened first before the inner handle. This sequential opening mechanism allows operators to detect pressure conditions during the first stage (outer handle opening) before committing to full opening (inner handle). If pressure is detected during outer handle opening, the operator can stop and reclose without completing the opening sequence, thus preventing accidental discharge while maintaining operational speed.
Solution Approach 2:
The cam lock fitting is segmented into two independent handles (outer and inner) that must be operated in sequence. This segmentation divides the single opening action into two stages:第一阶段 (outer handle) for pressure detection and 第二阶段 (inner handle) for complete opening. This segmentation allows operators to assess pressure conditions at the first stage and make informed decisions, eliminating the risk of accidental discharge while preserving quick operation capability.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a safety lock mechanism is added to detect pressure before opening, then accidental discharge is prevented, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent achieves pressure detection functionality using the existing handle opening mechanism itself. The outer and inner handles serve multiple functions: they are both opening mechanisms and simultaneously serve as pressure detection indicators. When the outer handle is opened and pressure is present, the operator can feel or observe the pressure condition without requiring separate detection devices. This multi-functionality prevents accidental discharge while avoiding additional complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses itself for pressure detection - the act of opening the outer handle provides the detection function. The mechanical action of opening the outer handle reveals pressure conditions through resistance, movement difficulty, or observable effects, eliminating the need for separate sensors or detection mechanisms. This self-service approach maintains simplicity while providing safety functionality.
3Ease of operation
If outer and inner handles are disposed in side-by-side relation, then easy access is achieved, but inadvertent simultaneous opening occurs making it dangerous
Solution Approach 1:
The patent requires the outer handle to be opened first as a preliminary action before the inner handle can be opened. This sequential requirement prevents inadvertent simultaneous opening because the inner handle remains mechanically or operationally dependent on the outer handle being opened first. The preliminary opening of the outer handle establishes a clear operational sequence that eliminates the risk of simultaneous opening while maintaining easy access to both handles.
Solution Approach 2:
The outer and inner handles are positioned asymmetrically with the outer handle accessible first, creating a natural opening sequence. The asymmetric arrangement ensures that the outer handle must be operated before the inner handle, preventing simultaneous opening. This asymmetric design maintains ease of access while establishing a reliable sequential operation pattern that enhances safety.
Data Source
AI summary
Method and apparatus for an improved camlock fitting having outer/inner cam lever which are restrained against unintended opening or rotation by a pivoting locking member which is pivotally mounted onto an axle disposed in a corresponding hole on the cam levers so that the pivoting locking member can be easily pivoted in the vertical plane relative to the cam arms. Each of the outer and inner arms has a pivoting locking member mounted on its underside in a protective housing. The camlock fitting may also have an air vent. Together this provides a safety lock assembly for the cam lock fitting so that when the cam lock fitting is pressurized unbeknownst to the operator and the operator attempts to open the cam lock fitting, the safety lock assembly will prevent operation or complete separation of the male and the female portions of the fitting to prevent inadvertent pressurized discharge of hazardous materials.