Coupler Hook Elastic Displacement for Simplified Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing couplers require complex operations for attachment and removal, which complicates the process and degrades operator performance.
Innovation Solution
A novel coupler design incorporating an insertion portion, a flange, a hook, an elastic support, and a removal force receiver, where the hook is supported by the elastic support to be displaceable and the removal force receiver elastically deforms the support to retract the hook and remove the insertion portion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a traditional coupler with multiple insertion portions, flange, and gripping portion is used, then the coupling function is achieved, but the attachment and removal operations become complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The coupler is divided into functionally independent segments: the insertion portion for penetration, the flange for positioning and support, the hook for gripping, and the elastic support for enabling displacement. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently, simplifying the overall operation while maintaining structural integrity
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic support introduces dynamic capability to the coupler system, allowing the hook to be elastically displaced during removal operations. This dynamic feature enables the hook to be pushed inward to release the gripping function, transforming a static gripping structure into a dynamically controllable one that can easily transition between engaged and disengaged states
2Reliability
If the hook is made firmly gripping to ensure secure coupling, then the coupling reliability is improved, but the removal operation becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic support acts as an intermediary mechanism between the hook and the insertion portion. During removal, this intermediary allows the hook to be temporarily displaced inward, reducing the gripping force to enable easy extraction, while during normal operation, the elastic support maintains the hook in its gripping position to ensure reliable coupling
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic support provides dynamic control over the hook's gripping force. By allowing elastic displacement, the system can transition from a high-grip state (for reliability) to a low-grip state (for easy removal), resolving the contradiction between secure coupling and easy detachment
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
Simplifies the operations of attaching and removing the coupler by completing the series of operations with a single action, enhancing operator performance and reducing the complexity of the detachment process.
Implementation Method 1
The elastic support supports the hook displaceable in a direction orthogonal to the insertion direction
Implementation Method 2
The removal force receiver is coupled to the elastic support to receive a removal force in a removal direction opposite to the insertion direction, elastically deform the elastic support by the removal force, and displace the hook inward of the first opening and the second opening
Data Source
AI summary
A coupler includes an insertion portion, a flange, a hook, an elastic support, and a removal force receiver. The insertion portion is to be inserted through first and second openings of overlapped first and second coupling objects, respectively. The flange contacts the second opening of the second coupling object at the most upstream in an insertion position when the insertion portion is inserted to the first and second openings. The hook sandwiches the first and second coupling objects between the hook and the flange. The elastic support supports the hook displaceable in a direction orthogonal to the insertion direction. The removal force receiver receives a removal force in a removal direction, elastically deforms the elastic support by the removal force, and displaces the hook inward of the first and second openings, to remove the insertion portion from the first and second openings.