Multi-Connector Coupling Handle for Low-Force Sealed Joining
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Coupling devices with multiple connector parts face challenges in securely sealing and connecting line sections under pressure, requiring high force exertion due to friction and media pressure, making the coupling process cumbersome.
Innovation Solution
A coupling device with a pivotable handle and guide slots that applies a high axial force with low pivot torque, allowing for easy assembly and secure sealing without excessive manual effort, featuring a bracket design with guide pins and yoke springs for secure alignment and locking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple connector parts are used to increase coupling capacity, then the coupling device can handle more line sections, but the friction and media pressure increase requiring higher exertion of force for coupling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the coupling force application from a direct axial pushing motion to a rotational motion around a pivot point. The handle rotates around a pivot axis, and through the guide slot mechanism, this rotational motion is converted into axial coupling force. This dimensional change from linear to rotational motion provides mechanical advantage, reducing the effort required to couple multiple connector parts despite increased friction and pressure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a dynamic coupling mechanism where the handle can rotate and the guide slots can move relative to the connector blocks. The guide parts move along curved guide slots during the coupling process, allowing the force application point to change position dynamically. This dynamic movement optimizes the force transmission throughout the coupling process, maintaining efficiency even as the connector blocks come together under increasing pressure.
2Force
If a specially configured receiving groove with axial movement is used to reduce exertion of force, then the coupling force requirement is reduced, but the sealing arrangement becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces guide slots and guide parts as intermediary elements between the handle and the connector blocks. These guide slots act as mediators that translate the rotational motion of the handle into effective axial coupling force without requiring complex sealing arrangements. The guide parts moving along the guide slots provide the necessary force transmission while maintaining a simple sealing configuration between the connector blocks.
3Ease of operation
If the handle has a long lever arm to reduce pivot torque, then the manual effort required is reduced, but the device dimensions increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent accepts the increased lever arm length as a necessary dimensional trade-off to achieve the desired ease of operation. By extending the handle length, the pivot torque is significantly reduced, making it feasible to couple multiple connector parts with minimal manual effort. The guide slot mechanism efficiently utilizes this extended lever arm to generate sufficient axial coupling force despite the increased overall device dimensions.
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
Facilitates a simple and comfortable coupling process with reduced manual force exertion, ensuring secure sealing and preventing jamming or loose movements, even with multiple connector parts.
Implementation Method 1
with a low amount of pivot torque to be applied to the handle by the operator. The coupling process then can be implemented with a low exertion of force
Implementation Method 2
an appropriately selected length of the lever arm formed on the handle between its manually graspable actuating end and the pivot point, a high force component acting in axial direction can be generated
Implementation Method 3
the side part remains positioned in a force-locking manner by a pretensioning device, preferably in the form of at least one yoke spring, in every pivotal position
Implementation Method 4
a secure mutual sealing of the connector parts by a sealant is essential in the coupling state. Above all, in the case of line sections under pressure, a secure mutual sealing of the connector parts by a sealant is essential
Data Source
AI summary
A coupling device has two connector block parts (2,4), which can be coupled to each other and which have a plurality of receptacles for connector parts (10). The connector parts are arranged in correspondence with each other and can be connected to each other. A supporting device is provided for supporting the coupling process. The supporting device has, on the one connector block part (2), a pivotable handle (16) having at least one guide slot (30). At least one guide part (32) of the other connector block part (4) engages the guide slot (30) in such a way that, when the handle (16) is pivoted, the guide slot (30) applies a force to the guide part (2, 4) in such a way that the connector block parts (2, 4) are moved toward each other for a coupling process.