Cam-Lock Actuating Device for Tubular Couplings
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional cam-locking coupling assemblies can burst when disengaged, causing injury and fluid ejection, due to internal pressure in pressurized systems, posing safety and environmental hazards.
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 connection and disconnection of tubular members without sudden pressure release.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the cam arms are turned to the unlocking position to disconnect tubular members, then the coupling can be quickly disconnected, but the male coupling tube may burst from internal pressure causing injury and fluid ejection
Solution Approach 1:
The device performs preliminary pressure relief action before complete disconnection. The cam mechanism is designed to automatically reduce internal pressure by creating a pressure equalization path as the cam arm begins to rotate from the locked position, ensuring pressure is relieved before the coupling fully disconnects and preventing burst hazards
Solution Approach 2:
The elastomeric gasket serves as a cushioning element that gradually absorbs and releases internal pressure during the disconnection process. As the cam arm rotates, the gasket decompresses in a controlled manner, cushioning the pressure release and preventing sudden burst that could cause injury
2Ease of operation
If the cam arms are turned to the unlocking position, then disconnection is enabled, but pressurized fluid may be ejected polluting the environment
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanism performs preliminary pressure equalization before disconnection completes. The cam profile is designed to open a pressure relief path early in the rotation sequence, allowing pressurized fluid to equalize with atmospheric pressure before the coupling separates, thereby preventing harmful fluid ejection and environmental pollution
3Device complexity
If a simple pull-ring mechanism is used, then the device structure remains simple, but sudden pressure release cannot be prevented
Solution Approach 1:
The cam mechanism transforms the simple rotational motion of the pull ring into a controlled dynamic sequence. As the cam arm rotates, the cam profile dynamically controls the timing and rate of pressure relief, creating a progressive pressure equalization process that maintains safety while preserving operational simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The cam mechanism acts as an intermediary between the simple pull-ring actuation and the complex pressure control function. It translates the operator's simple rotational input into a controlled multi-stage process that manages pressure relief, bridging the gap between simplicity and safety
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 ensures safe operation by preventing sudden pressure release, reducing the risk of injury and environmental pollution, while allowing quick and secure coupling and decoupling of tubular members.
Implementation Method 1
compressing and decompressing an elastomeric gasket, allowing safe connection and disconnection of tubular members without sudden pressure release
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
AI summary
A cam-lock actuating device for use in a locking coupling assembly that couples two tubular members, includes an actuatable lever having a head pivotally mounted on a female tubular coupler, an angularly positioning member coupled to be turned with the head, and leading and trailing releasably retaining members independently disposed on at least one of the head and the angularly positioning member such that, during turning of the actuatable lever to an unlocked position, the trailing releasably retaining member 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 while permitting gradual relief of internal pressure.