Multi-Coupling Device with Bayonet Mechanism and Pressure Relief

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing multi-coupling devices of the plate type require significant operator effort and clearance due to lever mechanisms, and struggle with relieving residual pressure, leading to potential leakage and connection errors during coupling and uncoupling.

Innovation Solution

A multi-coupling device with a bayonet coupling mechanism and integrated hydraulic circuit using one-way valves and a decompression system, allowing for stable connection without levers and enabling pressure relief before disconnection, with the connection of couplings occurring only when pressure is applied to at least one line.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a lever mechanism is used to connect and disconnect the plates, then the coupling operation can be performed, but the operator effort becomes considerable and the device dimensions (clearance requirements) increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecoupling operationVSAvoidclearance requirement
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent removes the lever mechanism entirely from the system. Instead of using a lever to force the plates together, the invention uses a cam mechanism with cam grooves that guide the plates into proper alignment and connection through their own movement, eliminating the need for external lever actuation and the associated clearance requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the traditional lever-based mechanical system with a cam-based mechanical system. The cam grooves and cam surfaces work together to automatically guide and secure the connection when the plates are brought together, substituting the need for a lever while reducing the clearance space required for operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Ease of operation

If the lever is made longer to reduce operator effort, then the coupling becomes easier to actuate, but the device dimensions and clearance requirements increase further

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelever actuation effortVSAvoidclearance requirement
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent completely extracts the lever from the system, making the problem of lever length irrelevant. The cam mechanism requires minimal clearance space and can be actuated with a small movement, eliminating the trade-off between lever length and operator effort.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Reliability

If residual pressure relief means are provided, then pressure can be relieved during coupling, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepressure relief during couplingVSAvoidpressure relief system
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the pressure relief function directly into the coupling mechanism itself. The cam grooves and cam surfaces not only guide the connection but also automatically relieve residual pressure through their geometric design, combining multiple functions into a single integrated mechanism rather than adding separate pressure relief components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 solution reduces operator effort, minimizes clearance requirements, and ensures safe and efficient coupling and uncoupling by allowing pressure relief before disconnection, preventing leakage and accidental breakages due to overpressure.

Implementation Method 1

when pressure is applied at the female coupling in at least one single line

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHydraulic pressure: Pressure Increase

Implementation Method 2

hydraulic circuit using one-way valves

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectOne-way valve flow control: Valve

Implementation Method 3

enabling pressure relief before disconnection, preventing leakage and accidental breakages due to overpressure

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPressure relief: Depressurisation

Data Source

PatentEP3009726B1Improved multi-coupling device with pressure relief circuit
Publication Date: 2018.08.29 FASTER SPA
  • EP3009726B1 patent drawingFigure 1~4
  • EP3009726B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6
  • EP3009726B1 patent drawingFigure 7

AI summary

The present invention relates to a multi-coupling device of the plate type for the simultaneous connection of a plurality of hydraulic, electric and pneumatic lines through quick couplings. The device according to the present invention is characterized in that it comprises bayonet coupling means which allow the coupling of the two plates 10, 20 by means of the relative sliding of the mobile plate 20 with respect to the fixed plate 10. By virtue of the presence of a dedicated hydraulic circuit which connects the female couplings of the fixed plate 10 to one another, the multi-coupling device according to the present invention allows to separate the step of coupling of the plates from the step of hydraulic connection of the male and female couplings.