Coupling Lever Locking Mechanism for Accidental Pivoting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing coupling members with levers for operating movable members, such as chucks or valves, are prone to accidental pivoting due to frictional forces, leading to unintended disconnection or operation of connected pipes or valves.
Innovation Solution
A coupling member design that includes a lever pivotable between two positions, with a lock member and lever holding member to inhibit accidental pivoting by engaging when the lever is in the second position, utilizing a spring to maintain the lever in the second position and a link member to ensure the lever cannot pivot back to the first position even under force.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the lever is held in position by friction between the lever and pivot shaft or cam-engaged member, then the structure is simple, but the lever may pivot accidentally when hit or caught, leading to unintended operation
Solution Approach 1:
A lever holding member is introduced as an intermediary component between the lever and the coupling body. This holding member engages with the lever at a specific position to prevent accidental pivoting, while the lever itself remains structurally simple. The intermediary component provides the additional reliability needed without significantly complicating the overall structure.
2Reliability
If a lever holding member is added to engage the lever and inhibit accidental pivoting, then the lever position stability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The lever holding member is integrated with the coupling body, merging two functions into a single component. The holding member is formed as part of the coupling body structure, reducing the number of separate parts and simplifying assembly while still providing the necessary engagement to prevent lever pivoting.
Solution Approach 2:
The lever holding member is designed to automatically engage with the lever when the lever is in the second pivoting position, without requiring additional actuation or control mechanisms. The spring-loaded design allows the holding member to self-adjust and maintain engagement, reducing operational complexity.
3Reliability
If a spring is added to urge the lock member toward the holding position, then the lever is securely held in the second position, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
A simple coil spring is used instead of complex locking mechanisms or expensive actuating systems. The spring is a standard, inexpensive component that can be easily manufactured and assembled, providing reliable urging force to maintain the lever in the holding position without significantly increasing manufacturing complexity or cost.
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
Prevents unintended pivoting and disconnection of coupled members by securely holding the lever in the second position, ensuring the movable member remains in its intended state despite applied forces, thus maintaining a stable connection.
Implementation Method 1
the lever may further have a spring urging the lock member toward the holding position
Implementation Method 2
the lever is held in position by friction between the lever and a pivot shaft thereof or by friction between the lever and another member that is cam-engaged therewith
Data Source
AI summary
A coupling member inhibits accidental pivoting of a lever for operating a movable member such as a chuck member or a valve. The coupling member has a chuck member mounted displaceably relative to a female coupling body between a temporarily connecting position (first position) and a connecting position (second position). The chuck member is operated by a lever that is pivotable relative to the female coupling body. When the lever is pivoted from a first pivoting position to a second pivoting position, the chuck member is displaced from the temporarily connecting position to the connecting position to connect an associated male coupling member. When the lever is in the second pivoting position, a lock member of the lever engages a lever holding member to inhibit the lever from pivoting toward the first pivoting position.