Multi-Coupling Device with Individual Manual Couplings
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing multi-coupling devices require a movable multi-coupling plate to connect with a fixed plate, limiting the ability to connect individual couplings without risking line inversion, especially in scenarios where a movable plate is not economically viable or necessary.
Innovation Solution
A multi-coupling device with a fixed plate that supports individual couplings and includes connecting and disconnecting means, such as a ring-shaped button and housing slots, allowing engagement and release of individual couplings without a movable backplate, enhancing versatility and safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a movable multi-coupling plate is used to connect multiple lines, then connection safety and prevention of line inversion are improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The movable multi-coupling plate is divided into separate individual couplings that can be independently connected to the fixed plate. Each coupling is a discrete component rather than part of a complex movable assembly, simplifying the overall device structure while maintaining connection safety through the retaining ring mechanism
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of requiring a movable plate to connect to a fixed plate, the invention allows individual couplings to be directly connected to the fixed plate. The retaining ring acts as the active component that secures the coupling, reversing the traditional approach where the entire plate assembly provides the connection function
2Reliability
If a movable multi-coupling plate is used to connect multiple lines, then connection safety and prevention of line inversion are improved, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system is segmented into simple, standardized individual couplings rather than a complex movable plate assembly. This segmentation allows for mass production of identical coupling components and retaining rings, significantly reducing manufacturing costs while maintaining connection safety
Solution Approach 2:
The individual couplings with retaining rings are designed as simple, replaceable components that can be manufactured at low cost. If a coupling becomes damaged or worn, only that single inexpensive component needs replacement rather than replacing an entire movable plate assembly
3Device complexity
If individual couplings are connected without a movable plate, then device complexity and cost are reduced, but the ability to securely connect and disconnect individual couplings deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The retaining ring is designed to be manually operated by the user to secure and release the coupling. The ball-and-slot mechanism automatically engages when the coupling is inserted, and the user simply needs to press the retaining ring against the spring force to disconnect, making the system self-securing with minimal user intervention
Solution Approach 2:
The retaining ring acts as an intermediary component between the coupling and the fixed plate. It provides the connection and disconnection function through its interaction with the ball and slot mechanism, enabling easy operation without requiring a complex movable plate assembly
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a multi-coupling device (1) for the multiple quick connection of multiple hydraulic, electrical and/or pneumatic lines, with the possibility of individual manual couplings. The multi-coupling device (1) comprises a first plate (2) connectable to a vehicle or apparatus and supporting a plurality of couplings (3), each of said couplings being connectable to a hydraulic line and being adapted to being connected to corresponding couplings (41) of a second multi-coupling plate (40) for the connection of said hydraulic lines with a point of use, said device (1) being characterised in that at least one of said couplings (3) of said first plate (2) comprises connecting means (32, 33, 34, 35) for connecting and firmly retaining a single coupling (80) and disconnecting means (50) that can be manually operated by the user and are adapted to interact with said connecting means (32, 33, 34, 35) to allow the release of the individual coupling. The device according to the present invention overcomes a limitation inherent to the multi-connection devices of the type known in the state of the art and consisting in that they can only be used with points of use equipped with corresponding multi-coupling plates thus, on the contrary, also allowing points of use equipped with individual couplings to be connected.