Multi-Coupling Plate Release Mechanism for One-Handed Uncoupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing multi-coupling devices require operators to use both hands to connect and disconnect hydraulic, electrical, and pneumatic lines, making it inconvenient and sometimes necessary to exit the vehicle, especially when operating from a tractor's driving seat.
Innovation Solution
A coupling/uncoupling device with an innovative safety system that allows a single-handed operation by integrating a trigger mechanism enabling the operator to connect and disconnect the plates using a lever without needing to press a separate safety button, utilizing a sliding trigger element and elastic means to facilitate one-handed operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a separate safety button mechanism is used to prevent accidental uncoupling, then safety is improved, but device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate due to requiring two hands
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the safety button function and the lever release function into a single integrated trigger mechanism. The trigger element is slidingly associated with the plate-like element and directly actuates the lever when pulled, eliminating the need for a separate safety button. This merging of functions allows the operator to perform both safety verification and lever release with a single hand motion, resolving the contradiction between safety and ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The trigger element serves multiple functions: it acts as both the safety release mechanism and the lever actuator. By designing the trigger to directly connect to and move the lever when pulled, the system achieves multi-functionality in a single component, allowing one-handed operation while maintaining safety controls.
2Reliability
If a separate safety button mechanism is used to prevent accidental uncoupling, then safety is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the previously separate safety button and lever release mechanisms into a single integrated trigger system. The trigger element is directly connected to the lever and actuates it when pulled, eliminating the need for separate components and reducing overall device complexity while maintaining safety functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the safety button function from the overall mechanism and integrates it directly into the trigger-lever system. By removing the separate safety button component and incorporating its function into the trigger mechanism, the device complexity is reduced while safety is maintained through the trigger's direct connection to the lever.
3Reliability
If two-handed operation is required for safety, then accidental uncoupling is prevented, but productivity and ease of operation deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the safety verification step and the lever release step into a single trigger pull action. The trigger element, when pulled, directly actuates the lever to release the coupling, allowing the operator to complete both safety verification and uncoupling in one motion with one hand, thereby improving productivity while maintaining safety.
Solution Approach 2:
The trigger mechanism is designed to automatically actuate the lever when pulled, eliminating the need for separate manual operations. The system serves itself by having the trigger directly connected to and actuating the lever, allowing one-handed operation that improves productivity while maintaining safety controls.
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
Enables efficient and safe single-handed connection and disconnection of multiple lines, preventing accidental uncoupling and reducing operational complexity, allowing operators to manage the device from the vehicle without needing to use both hands.
Implementation Method 1
elastic means, in particular a spring, placed between said trigger element and said plate-like element and acting to keep said trigger element in the advanced position
Implementation Method 2
a guide or eccentric groove made on a plate-like element capable of receiving suitable pins provided on the movable plate so that the action of said eccentric groove or cam on the pins moves the movable plate close to the fixed plate
Data Source
AI summary
A coupling/uncoupling device for a plate-like multi-coupling device for the simultaneous connection of a plurality of hydraulic, electrical, and/or pneumatic lines includes quick couplings. In particular, the coupling/uncoupling device is provided with a safety device configured to prevent an accidental uncoupling and to be operated by the operator with one hand only. A plate-like multi-coupling device the includes such coupling/uncoupling device is also an object of the present invention.