Canister Coupling Device Vibration Isolation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing coupling devices for canisters with inner lid closures used in closed transfer systems for crop protection products and liquid fertilizers lack precision in measuring the quantity of liquids transferred, especially under conditions of vibrations, oscillations, and shocks encountered during operation.

Innovation Solution

Incorporation of a weighing device with flexible sleeves in the flow connection between the inlet and outlet to decouple mechanically from vibrations and shocks, allowing precise measurement of liquid removal by detecting the canister's weight and comparing it to a target amount, while the flexible sleeves ensure that vibrations and oscillations do not affect the measurement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a weighing device is installed in the coupling device to measure the weight of the canister, then the measurement precision of liquid quantity is improved, but the device becomes susceptible to vibrations, oscillations, and shocks during operation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveliquid quantity measurement precisionVSAvoidvibrations and shocks affecting measurement
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

A flexible coupling element is introduced as an intermediary between the weighing device and the canister/liquid line. This flexible coupling mechanically decouples the weighing device from vibrations and shocks while still transmitting the weight force for measurement, thereby protecting the measurement system from harmful mechanical disturbances

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs a flexible coupling element (such as a flexible hose or membrane) that can deform elastically under vibration and shock loads. This flexible element isolates the rigid weighing device from high-frequency mechanical disturbances while maintaining the force transmission necessary for accurate weight measurement

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

2Measurement precision

If a flexible coupling is introduced to decouple vibrations, then the measurement precision is maintained, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement precision under vibrationVSAvoidstructural complexity of flow connection
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The flexible coupling element serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides vibration isolation, maintains fluid flow connectivity, and accommodates positional misalignments. By using a single flexible component rather than multiple rigid elements with joints, the solution adds minimal structural complexity while achieving the desired measurement precision under vibrational conditions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

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 solution provides precise determination of the liquid amount removed, meeting the high precision requirements of crop protection products by isolating the weighing device from operational vibrations and shocks, ensuring accurate measurement and efficient liquid transfer.

Implementation Method 1

At least one flexible sleeve is provided in a flow connection between the inlet and the outlet to largely decouple a liquid line from the canister to the elastic sleeve or from the inlet to the elastic sleeve

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP4491292A1Coupling device for canister
Publication Date: 2025.01.15 LECHLER GMBH & CO KG
  • EP4491292A1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP4491292A1 patent drawingFigure 4~5
  • EP4491292A1 patent drawingFigure 6~10

AI summary

A coupling device (10) for canisters (12), in particular for canisters with an inner lid closure for a closed transfer system for plant protection products and/or liquid fertilizers, comprising a housing (32) with an inlet for coupling an outlet opening of a canister, with an outlet for connecting to a mixing device and/or a storage tank, with valve means for opening and closing a flow connection from the inlet to the outlet, and with a cleaning lance (24), wherein the cleaning lance can be inserted into the canister when the canister is coupled, wherein a weighing device (46) is provided for recording the weight of the canister when coupled, and wherein at least one flexible sleeve (240a, 240b) is provided in a flow connection between the inlet and the outlet.to largely mechanically decouple a liquid line from the inlet to the elastic coupling from a liquid line from the elastic coupling to the outlet.