Lever Arm Coupling Controlled Pressure Release
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional lever arm couplings for hose lines face issues with uncontrolled pressure release during decoupling, leading to potential damage or injury, and existing solutions either block decoupling under pressure or complicate the manufacturing and functioning with additional moving parts.
Innovation Solution
A lever arm coupling system with a two-stage decoupling process and a round profile sealing ring that gradually reduces contact area as it returns to its original shape, allowing controlled pressure release, and a curved cam design to prevent abrupt movements and ensure a slow release of pressure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional lever arm couplings are used for quick connection and disconnection, then coupling efficiency is improved, but uncontrolled pressure release occurs during decoupling causing safety hazards
Solution Approach 1:
The decoupling process is divided into two distinct stages: an intermediate position where the male coupling is partially disengaged allowing controlled pressure release, and a final open position for complete separation. This segmentation prevents uncontrolled pressure release while maintaining quick coupling efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
A locking mechanism acts as an intermediary between the closed and open positions, introducing a stable intermediate state. This locking mechanism engages with a locking surface on the lever arm when the pressure section is retracted, preventing direct transition from closed to fully open position and enabling controlled pressure release.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If existing solutions block decoupling under pressure to prevent uncontrolled release, then safety is improved, but decoupling operation becomes impossible under pressure conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The decoupling sequence is segmented into pressure-safe stages: first retracting the pressure section to an intermediate position where pressure is controlled and released safely, then proceeding to full opening. This allows decoupling operations to proceed even under pressure conditions without hazard.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism serves as an intermediary that enables controlled operation under pressure by establishing a stable intermediate position. The locking surface and locking mechanism work together to create a pause point where pressure can be safely managed before completing the decoupling operation.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If additional moving parts like locking washers are added to control pressure release, then pressure control is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is merged with the existing lever arm structure by incorporating a locking surface directly onto the lever arm's pressure section. This integration eliminates the need for separate locking washers or additional moving parts, reducing device complexity while maintaining pressure release control.
Solution Approach 2:
The lever arm is given multiple functions: it provides the pressure section for engagement, the cam action for movement control, and the locking surface for pressure-controlled locking. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated locking components, simplifying the overall device structure.
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 safe and controlled decoupling of hose lines under pressure, preventing sudden pressure release and damage, while maintaining the advantages of existing systems with a simpler design that can be easily integrated into existing standards.
Implementation Method 1
a round profile sealing ring (4) that gradually reduces contact area as it returns to its original shape, allowing controlled pressure release
Implementation Method 2
a curved cam design to prevent abrupt movements and ensure a slow release of pressure
Data Source
Figure 1a
Figure 1b
Figure 1c
AI summary
The present lever arm coupling consists of a male coupling (1), a female coupling (2), two lever arms (3) and a sealing ring (4), wherein the lever arms (3) remain in the closed position during vibrations, lock in an intermediate position when opened under pressure and in this intermediate position the pressure from the hose system can gradually and in a controlled manner escape via the sealing ring (4).