Hydraulic Multi-Coupling With Independent Rotational Pressure Release
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional lever-operated multi-couplings face challenges in connecting and disconnecting under both female and male pressure, with limited ability to auto-relieve pressure during connection and requiring more space for operation, especially in compact configurations like horizontal mounting positions.
Innovation Solution
A compact multi-coupling assembly utilizing a single rotational lever with perpendicular axis to female couplers, featuring rotating cams and pressure relief valves to independently release pressure before disconnection and connection, allowing for independent coupling release and compact design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a conventional rotational lever design is used, then the lever can operate in compact spaces, but it cannot independently disconnect individual couplings under pressure
Solution Approach 1:
The single lever is segmented into multiple functional zones with cam members positioned at different radial locations. Each cam member independently controls a specific coupling, allowing selective disconnection of individual couplings while maintaining connection of others. The lever shaft rotates to selectively engage different cam members with their respective couplings.
Solution Approach 2:
Cam members serve as intermediary elements between the rotational lever and the couplings. The cams convert rotational motion into the specific linear and rotational movements needed to disconnect couplings, enabling independent control of each coupling through a single lever rotation.
2Ease of operation
If a see-saw lever design is used, then independent coupling disconnection is achieved, but more operational space is required
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanism transitions from a linear see-saw motion to a rotational motion around a vertical axis. The lever rotates in a circular path, allowing cam members to engage couplings at different angular positions. This rotational approach consolidates the operational space into a compact circular footprint rather than requiring linear extension space.
Solution Approach 2:
The lever system uses dynamic cam profiles that change their engagement characteristics during rotation. The cams are positioned at different radial distances from the lever shaft, creating varying leverage and motion paths that enable independent coupling control within a compact rotational envelope.
3Reliability
If pressure relief valves are added to each coupling, then pressure can be released before disconnection, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure relief function is merged with the cam member mechanism. The same cam that controls coupling disconnection also controls the pressure relief valve through a shared plunger. As the cam rotates and pushes the coupling cartridge rearward, it simultaneously pushes the pressure relief valve plunger to open the valve and release pressure.
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically releases pressure through the integrated pressure relief valves when the cam members engage during the disconnection sequence. The operator simply needs to rotate the lever to initiate disconnection; the pressure relief occurs automatically as part of the cam-driven motion, without requiring separate manual valve operation.
4Force
If a single multi-line connection mechanism is used, then mechanical advantage is gained to overcome combined forces, but individual coupling independence is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The single lever is segmented into multiple functional zones with cam members positioned at different radial locations. Each cam member independently controls a specific coupling, allowing selective disconnection of individual couplings while maintaining connection of others. The lever shaft rotates to selectively engage different cam members with their respective couplings.
Solution Approach 2:
The single lever shaft serves multiple functions: it provides mechanical advantage to overcome combined coupling forces, enables independent control of each coupling through selective cam engagement, and maintains connection integrity for all coupled lines. The cam members act as universal intermediaries that translate single lever rotation into independent coupling actions.
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
Enables efficient connection and disconnection under pressure with reduced space requirements, maintaining fluid flow integrity and preventing damage from excessive movement, while achieving independent coupling release and pressure management.
Implementation Method 1
Rotation of the rotational lever moves one of the female couplers from the coupled position to the release position
Implementation Method 2
a pressure relief valve movable from a closed position to an open position to prevent or permit the release of pressure from a flow passage inside the female coupler
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
A multi-coupling assembly includes a housing, and a first female coupler and a second female coupler that are housed within the housing. Each of the first female coupler and the second female coupler are moveable between a coupling position connectable to a respective male coupler to permit a flow of fluid through the multi-coupling assembly, and a release position in which the male coupler is releasable from a respective female coupler. A rotational lever has a handle portion that is external from the housing and a shaft portion that extends from the handle portion into the housing. Rotation of the rotational lever moves one of the female couplers from the coupling position to the release position without affecting a connection state of the other of the female couplers. Such independent operation of the female couplers is achieved by rotating cams that are configured such that when one of the cams rotates to interact against its respective female coupler, the other of the cams does not act on its respective female coupler. Pressure relief valves are operated such that internal pressure within a female coupler is released prior to the female coupler reaching the release position during a disconnection operation of the male coupler, and prior to the female coupler reaching the coupling position during a connection operation of a male coupler.