Foot-Operated Decoupling Mechanism With Rocker Arm Release
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing decoupling mechanisms for removable couplings are cumbersome and not ergonomic, particularly in installations above ground or partly underground, such as those between a water socket and a hose connector.
Innovation Solution
A foot-operated lever mechanism that activates a rocker arm mechanism to decouple components, allowing for translatory motion without requiring the operator to bend down, using a release element to separate the components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional decoupling mechanisms are used, then the coupling between components can be established, but the mechanism becomes cumbersome and not ergonomic
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanism is divided into distinct functional segments: a lever for actuation, a rocker arm mechanism for motion conversion, and a release element for decoupling. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently, reducing overall complexity while improving ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of requiring the operator to manually reach down and manipulate a complex traditional mechanism, the invention inverts the operation by providing a lever that can be actuated from above (e.g., with a foot), making the operation ergonomic and intuitive while simplifying the overall mechanism.
2Ease of operation
If traditional mechanisms are used for decoupling, then the components can be disconnected, but the operator must bend down which is not ergonomic
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the dimension of operation by providing a lever that acts vertically (pressing down with foot) rather than requiring horizontal manipulation at ground level. This dimensional change makes the operation ergonomic while the underlying rocker arm mechanism handles the complexity of translating this motion to the decoupling action.
3Reliability
If complex mechanisms are used, then reliable decoupling can be achieved, but the set-up becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanism uses a dynamic rocker arm that converts the simple translatory motion of the lever into the required motion for reliable decoupling. This dynamic element provides reliable operation while keeping the overall structure simple and easy to manufacture, as the rocker arm is a straightforward mechanical component.
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
Provides a simple, user-friendly, and ergonomic solution for decoupling components, suitable for a wide range of industrial and domestic applications, including watering systems, by minimizing the need for manual bending and reducing the risk of accidents.
Implementation Method 1
the lever exhibiting a translatory motion to decouple the first component from the second component
Implementation Method 2
the lever activates a rocker arm mechanism to decouple the first component from the second component
Implementation Method 3
The mechanism utilizes a release element, which upon actuation, pushes away the second component to separate or remove the coupling between the first component and the second component
Data Source
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AI summary
A mechanism (100) for decoupling a pair of components includes a first component (200), a second component (300) operatively coupled with the first component (200), and a lever (400) for decoupling the first component (200) from the second component (300). The mechanism (100) is characterized in that the operation of the lever (400) activates a rocker arm mechanism (500) to decouple the first component (200) from the second component (300).