Locking Utility Coupler With Cam Handle for Leak-Safe Engagement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Industrial equipment utility couplers often experience insecure engagement, leading to leaks of utilities such as compressed air and hydraulic fluid, due to the lack of secure coupling mechanisms that can be easily and reliably connected and disconnected for modular design and maintenance.
Innovation Solution
A utility coupler design featuring a tool unit with a latching pin and utility couplings, and a coupling unit with a cam member and handle that pivots to align at different angles, ensuring secure engagement and disengagement by moving the cam member to engage or disengage with the latching pin, allowing for secure utility transfer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a manual coupling mechanism is used for utility couplers, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to insecure engagement and potential leaks
Solution Approach 1:
The cam member is designed to automatically engage with the latching pin when the handle is moved to the engaged position, creating a self-locking mechanism that ensures reliable coupling without requiring additional manual intervention or complex actuation systems
Solution Approach 2:
The cam member transitions from a disengaged position to an engaged position with the latching pin through rotational movement of the handle, dynamically adapting the coupling state from open to locked while maintaining ease of operation
2Reliability
If secure engagement mechanisms are added to utility couplers, then reliability is improved, but device complexity worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The cam member integrates multiple functions into a single component: it acts as both the locking element that engages with the latching pin and the indicator that displays the coupling state, eliminating the need for separate locking mechanisms and status indicators
Solution Approach 2:
The handle serves multiple purposes: it actuates the cam member for locking, provides a grip for operation, and its position itself indicates the coupling state, reducing the need for additional specialized components
3Adaptability or versatility
If modular design with selective coupling is implemented, then adaptability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to potential insecure engagement
Solution Approach 1:
The self-locking cam mechanism automatically ensures secure engagement whenever the handle is moved to the coupled position, eliminating concerns about insecure connections while maintaining the modular advantage of selective coupling and reconfiguration
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
The design provides a secure and reliable method for connecting and disconnecting utility couplers, preventing leaks and ensuring effective utility transfer to industrial equipment, while allowing for easy handling and maintenance.
Implementation Method 1
a cam member movably attached to the body and the handle with the cam member comprising a receptacle. In the first position, the cam member is aligned at a first angle relative to the front face of the body to position the receptacle away from the latching pin of the tool unit. In the second position, the cam member is aligned at a second angle relative to the front face of the body that is different than the first angle to engage the receptacle with the latching pin of the tool unit
Implementation Method 2
a handle is pivotally connected to the body and movable between a first position and a second position
Data Source
AI summary
A utility coupler that includes a coupling unit and a tool unit that can be selectively engaged together. The coupling unit may include a body, a cam member, a handle, and one or more utility couplings. The tool unit may include a body, a latching pin, and one or more utility couplings. In operation, the coupling unit may be placed into a decoupled position with the handle in a first position. The coupling unit may be moved into proximity of the tool unit. The handle may be moved to a second position causing the cam member to engage with the latching pin and couple the coupling unit to the tool unit. The utility couplings engage together to pass the one or more utilities to the industrial equipment.