Load Coupling Assembly With Secure-Release Force Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Commercially available puller kits are cumbersome, pose safety risks, and require multiple kits for different applications, with accessories being operationally limited and difficult to use, leading to potential operator injury and component damage.
Innovation Solution
A load coupling system comprising a first coupling member with an actuator and a second coupling member that securely attaches to a target component, allowing force transfer and featuring a secure and release orientation, stop formations, and locking mechanisms for axial and pivotal movement control, enabling efficient and safe operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If traditional puller kits are used, then force generation capability is achieved, but device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate due to cumbersome setup and multiple configurations required
Solution Approach 1:
The puller system is divided into separate functional modules: a base unit with actuator, interchangeable coupling members with specific coupling formations, and attachment members with attachment formations. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall system capability through modular assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The base unit with actuator serves as a universal platform that can work with multiple types of coupling members and attachment members. The standardized interface between components allows a single base unit to perform multiple pulling operations across different applications, eliminating the need for multiple specialized puller kits.
2Force
If traditional puller kits are used, then force generation capability is achieved, but device complexity increases due to requiring multiple kits for different applications
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs a universal base unit that can accommodate various coupling members and attachment members through standardized interfaces. This multi-functionality allows a single base unit to replace multiple specialized puller kits, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining force generation capability across different applications.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling members and attachment members are designed to nest together through interlocking coupling formations. The first coupling member receives the second coupling member, which in turn receives the attachment member, creating a nested structure that consolidates multiple components into a compact integrated assembly.
3Adaptability or versatility
If accessories are added to complement existing pullers, then adaptability improves, but ease of operation deteriorates due to difficult configuration and time-consuming setup
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments adaptability into modular components that can be independently selected and combined. Each coupling member and attachment member is designed with specific coupling formations that interface with the base unit, allowing technicians to quickly configure the appropriate combination for their specific application without complex setup procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling members and attachment members are pre-configured with specific coupling formations during manufacturing. This preliminary action ensures that when components are assembled in the field, they automatically interface correctly without requiring complex configuration or adjustment by the technician, thereby maintaining ease of operation while achieving adaptability.
4Reliability
If secure attachment is implemented, then reliability improves, but device complexity increases due to locking mechanisms and movement control
Solution Approach 1:
The locking and movement control functions are segmented into distinct formations: stop formations for axial movement control, coupling formations for pivotal movement control, and locking formations for securing the connection. This segmentation allows each function to be implemented through simple geometric features rather than complex mechanisms, maintaining reliability while minimizing added complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
In a first aspect there is disclosed a load coupling (10). The load coupling (10) comprises a first coupling member (12) operatively associated with an actuator. The first coupling member has a first coupling formation (16). The load coupling (10) further comprises a second coupling member (14) adapted for operative coupling with the first coupling member (12). The second coupling member (14) includes an attachment formation (15) operatively adapted to attach the second coupling member (14) to a target component to which force generated by the actuator is to be transferred. The second coupling member (14) defines a second coupling formation (24) operatively associated with the first coupling formation (16) of the first coupling member (12). The first coupling formation (16) has (i) a secure orientation relative to the second coupling formation (24) in which the first coupling member (12) is secured to the second coupling member (14) and (ii) a release orientation relative to the second coupling formation (24) in which the first coupling member (12) is adapted to be removed from the second coupling member (14).