Multi-coupling Plate Locking Mechanism for Ergonomic Fluid Connection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing multi-couplings plates for connecting fluid and electrical couplings require significant operator force due to repellent forces from spring-mounted valves, especially in scenarios with limited access, making them ergonomically challenging.
Innovation Solution
A multi-couplings plate with a locking device featuring a rotary element, sliding element, and a pawl system with ratchet notches that allows for gradual plate alignment and connection through successive small rotations, reducing the force required for coupling and improving ergonomics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a locking device with spring-mounted valves is used to connect fluid couplings, then the connection is secure and reliable, but the operator must exert significant force to overcome the repellent forces from the springs
Solution Approach 1:
The locking device is divided into multiple locking members (at least two locking members) that can be independently actuated. This segmentation allows the operator to engage locking members sequentially rather than overcoming all spring forces simultaneously, reducing the instantaneous force required while maintaining secure connection through multiple locking points
Solution Approach 2:
The locking members are designed to be movable between engaged and disengaged states, allowing dynamic control of the locking process. The operator can progressively engage each locking member as plates are brought together, adapting the locking sequence to the actual connection progress and reducing peak operator effort
2Strength
If the locking device requires significant force for operation, then secure connection is achieved, but the device becomes difficult to operate in scenarios with limited access
Solution Approach 1:
By dividing the locking function into multiple independent locking members, each requiring minimal force to engage, the overall system achieves strong locking through cumulative effect rather than requiring high force at a single point, making it more manageable in confined spaces
Solution Approach 2:
The locking members act as intermediaries between the operator and the spring-mounted valves. Instead of the operator directly opposing strong spring forces, the locking members provide mechanical advantage and progressive engagement, mediating the interaction and reducing the physical demand on the operator
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 enables easier and more ergonomic operation by allowing gradual plate alignment and connection, effectively reducing the operator's effort in overcoming repellent forces, especially in situations with limited access.
Implementation Method 1
a spring arranged between the locking ring and the plate (P1) and pushing the locking ring toward its forward position
Implementation Method 2
The flared end of the lock shaft cooperates with the friction balls housed in a locking ring pushed back by a spring toward the end of the lock shaft
Data Source
AI summary
This multi-couplings plate (P1) includes a locking device comprising a frame (14) fixed on the plate (P1), locking members and a drive mechanism, comprising a rotary element (18) rotatable in the frame (14), a sliding element translatable relative to the frame (14) and which cooperates with the locking members. The locking device also comprises several ratchet notches (301-309) secured to an element (18) of the drive mechanism (16) and juxtaposed in the movement direction relative to the frame (14) of the element (18) of the drive mechanism, the ratchet notches (301-309) comprising a final notch (309) and at least one intermediate notch (303-308), and a pawl movable in a housing (326) of the frame (14) and pushed back by a spring (28) toward one of the ratchet notches (301-309). When the pawl cooperates with the intermediate notch (303-308), the pawl limits the movement of the sliding element toward its forward position to a position midway between the forward position and the withdrawn position, and in the coupled configuration, the pawl cooperates with the final notch (309) and keeps the sliding element in the withdrawn position.