Dual Cap Hinge Assembly for Simultaneous Fitting Closure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid systems require manual opening and closing of multiple adjacent fittings simultaneously, which is time-consuming and prone to human error, necessitating a solution for simultaneous operation of caps to enhance efficiency and reduce error.
Innovation Solution
A cap assembly with two pivotable caps connected by a common pivot mechanism, including a lever, cam, and plunger system, allowing simultaneous opening and closing of adjacent fittings using a single mechanism, along with a locking mechanism and visual indicators for position confirmation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate caps are used for each fitting, then each fitting can be independently sealed, but the time required to open and close multiple fittings increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate cap operations into a single integrated mechanism. The common pivot mechanism with a single lever allows simultaneous opening or closing of multiple adjacent fittings, merging what would otherwise be separate sequential operations into one unified action, thereby reducing the time required while maintaining sealing reliability through the preserved individual cap structure
2Productivity
If a common pivot mechanism is introduced to operate multiple caps simultaneously, then operational efficiency improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a cam as an intermediary element that translates the simple rotational motion of a single lever into the coordinated movement of multiple caps through the common pivot mechanism. This intermediary component enables complex simultaneous multi-cap operation while keeping the user interface simple, thereby improving productivity without requiring the end user to understand or manage the underlying mechanical complexity
3Reliability
If caps are designed to be securely sealed, then fluid tightness is achieved, but the effort required to open and close caps increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent improves ease of operation by merging multiple cap operations into a single lever action. The common pivot mechanism allows all caps to be opened or closed with one continuous motion, reducing the total manual effort required compared to operating each cap separately, while the individual cap design with pivot rods maintains secure fluid-tight sealing at each fitting
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 quick and error-free simultaneous operation of adjacent caps, reducing manual effort and enhancing fluid system maintenance efficiency by ensuring secure sealing and easy operation.
Implementation Method 1
a cam in connection with the lever and located in the hinge region such that actuation of the lever causes movement of the cam in the hinge region along the direction of the pivot axes; a plunger located in the hinge region between the cam and the pivot ends of the caps and in engagement with a cam profile surface of the cam
Implementation Method 2
a plunger located in the hinge region between the cam and the pivot ends of the caps and in engagement with a cam profile surface of the cam, the cam profile having a first section that, when in engagement with the plunger causes the plunger to push against the pivot ends of the caps to pivot the caps to a closed position
Implementation Method 3
two caps each pivotable about an axis of a respective pivot rod between an open position and a closed position, the two pivot rods arranged adjacent each other with parallel pivot axes to define a hinge region
Data Source
AI summary
A cap assembly includes two caps each pivotable about an axis of a respective pivot rod between an open position and a closed position, the two pivot rods arranged adjacent each other with parallel pivot axes (B) to define a hinge region, each cap having a pivot end extending into the hinge region between the two pivot rods; and a common pivot mechanism arranged to push against the pivot ends, in response to actuation of the pivot mechanism, to pivot the caps substantially simultaneously to the closed position, the common pivot mechanism comprising: a lever; a cam in connection with the lever and located in the hinge region such that actuation of the lever causes movement of the cam in the hinge region along the direction of the pivot axes; a plunger located in the hinge region between the cam and the pivot ends.