Cam Lock Tee Coupler for Bulk Unloading
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing interconnection methods for unloading hoses and tees in dry bulk material handling systems cause turbulence, inefficiencies, and contamination due to diameter transitions, exposed threads, and wear, leading to reduced unloading speed and frequent component replacement.
Innovation Solution
A tee with a contoured cam lock mechanism and a coupler that maintains a uniform internal diameter, allowing for quick and secure connection without exposing the cam locks to the material, using a grooved lock coupler and cam locking fasteners for securement, ensuring smooth flow and reduced contamination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an older cam lock interconnecting device is used to connect the flow line to the tee, then the connection can be secured, but the internal diameter of the flow line changes causing turbulence and disruption in the flow of granular material
Solution Approach 1:
The cam lock mechanism is positioned at the external perimeter of the tee rather than inside the flow path. This local placement allows the connection function to be performed without affecting the internal flow characteristics, maintaining uniform internal diameter and preventing turbulence while still providing secure connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection system is divided into separate functional zones: the cam lock mechanism handles connection security externally, while the internal flow path remains uninterrupted. This segmentation allows each function to operate independently without compromising the other.
2Reliability
If threaded connections are used to interconnect the flow line with the tee, then the components can be securely connected, but exposed threads create contamination risk and require frequent replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The cam lock mechanism is extracted from the internal flow path and positioned externally on the perimeter of the tee. This removes the source of contamination risk (exposed threads and locking surfaces) from the material flow environment while maintaining connection security through the external cam lock engagement.
3Ease of operation
If traditional cam locks are positioned within grooves exposed to material flow, then connection can be made, but excessive wear occurs necessitating frequent tee replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The cam lock mechanism and its grooves are extracted from the internal flow path and repositioned externally on the tee perimeter. This protects the cam lock components from exposure to abrasive granular material, eliminating excessive wear while maintaining connection capability through external engagement.
Solution Approach 2:
The cam lock mechanism is positioned in a localized external zone that is separate from the material flow path. This local placement protects the connection components from material exposure and wear while maintaining their connection function.
4Loss of time
If a contoured cam lock mechanism is integrated on the tee, then quick and secure interconnection is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cam lock mechanism is integrated directly onto the tee body, merging the connection function into the existing structure. This eliminates the need for separate coupling devices and reduces overall system complexity while enabling quick connection through the cam lock's rotational locking action.
Data Source
AI summary
A grooved lock coupler for holding a tee to a flow line for forced air conveyance and unloading of dry bulk granular material from a storage container vehicle is disclosed which comprises a tee having a first end, a second end, an inlet end, and a circumferential groove provided on the first end and a coupler for interconnecting to a flow line from the tee, the coupler having a cam lock fastener pivotally mounted on the coupler, the cam lock fastener cooperating with an opening in the coupler proximate the fastener to allow for the cam lock to extend through the opening in the coupler and to engage within the groove to lock the flow line and coupler to the tee in preparation for an unloading process.