Multi-Coupling Connector Cam Segmentation for Leak-Safe Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hydraulic and pneumatic connectors with lever-actuated mechanisms face assembly difficulties and increased production costs due to the need for an opening in the containment body, which compromises the seal and reliability of the device.
Innovation Solution
The solution involves splitting the single cam into two cams, allowing them to be inserted into the housing body through dedicated seats, eliminating the need for an assembly window and enabling automatic alignment with the rotation shaft, thus simplifying assembly and reducing production costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a single cam is used in the lever actuated mechanism, then the device can actuate multiple couplers, but assembly becomes complex and requires an opening in the containment body that compromises sealing
Solution Approach 1:
The single cam is divided into multiple separate cams (first cam and second cam). Each cam is inserted through its own dedicated seat in the containment body, eliminating the need for a large assembly window. This segmentation allows each cam to be installed independently through smaller openings that can be properly sealed, thereby improving both assembly ease and seal reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
Each cam is nested within its own dedicated seat in the containment body. The cams are positioned such that they are housed within the containment structure through separate access points, allowing the containment body to maintain its integrity and sealing while accommodating multiple cam components.
2Ease of manufacture
If an opening is provided in the containment body for cam assembly, then cams can be inserted, but production costs increase and potential leakages occur
Solution Approach 1:
The assembly opening is segmented into multiple smaller dedicated seats, each accommodating a single cam. This eliminates the need for one large opening that would compromise the containment body's sealing surface, thereby preventing potential leakages while still allowing easy cam insertion through the smaller, localized seats.
3Device complexity
If a single cam actuates multiple couplers, then the mechanism is compact, but the assembly process becomes difficult and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The single cam is segmented into multiple independent cams, each responsible for actuating specific couplers. This segmentation allows each cam to be pre-assembled and tested independently, then quickly installed into their respective seats in the containment body, significantly improving assembly speed and productivity while maintaining a compact overall mechanism structure.
Data Source
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AI summary
A hydraulic and/or pneumatic multi-coupler connector device (1) of the type comprising at least one pair of couplers (20a, 20b) inserted into a housing body (30) and equipped with a lever actuated mechanism comprising an actuation lever (10) maneuverable by the user for the relief of the residual pressure of the couplers and the connection thereof to corresponding male couplers.