Multi-Coupling Rack-and-Pinion Locking Against Hydraulic Pressure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing coupling devices require substantial manual force to connect multiple terminals or hydraulic couplings simultaneously and are prone to disconnecting under hydraulic pressure, making them difficult to use effectively, especially for large numbers of connections.
Innovation Solution
A coupling device with a rack and pinion drive mechanism, including blocking means and guiding means, that allows controlled movement and high connecting force generation, preventing hydraulic pressure from disconnecting the coupling pairs by using a self-braking system and locking mechanisms to maintain the connected position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If a large number of coupling pairs are connected simultaneously, then the connection capacity is improved, but the required connecting force becomes substantial and cannot be manually generated
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling device divides the mounting frames into modular sections with multiple coupling pairs arranged in rows and columns. Each coupling pair can be connected independently while sharing the mechanical advantage of the rack and pinion system, allowing the force requirement to be distributed across multiple connection points rather than requiring one substantial force for all connections simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
A rack and pinion drive mechanism is introduced as an intermediary between the manual operating lever and the mounting frames. The pinion gear engages with the rack to convert rotational motion into linear motion, providing mechanical advantage that multiplies the operator's input force to generate the substantial connecting force needed for multiple hydraulic couplings.
2Stress or pressure
If hydraulic pressure is applied to connected couplings, then the hydraulic function is improved, but the coupling parts tend to disconnect under the pressure
Solution Approach 1:
Blocking means are provided that preemptively counteract the disconnecting force generated by hydraulic pressure. The blocking means include protrusions on the rack that engage with corresponding recesses in the mounting frame, creating a mechanical lock that prevents the rack from moving under hydraulic pressure and thereby preventing disconnection of the coupling pairs.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling device incorporates a locking mechanism that is engaged after the coupling pairs are connected. This locking means secures the mounting frames in their connected position before hydraulic pressure is applied, ensuring that the coupling cannot disconnect under pressure even though the coupling pairs are already in place.
3Ease of operation
If a rack and pinion drive is used to generate high connecting force, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The rack and pinion drive mechanism is designed to be self-contained and self-explanatory, with the pinion gear naturally engaging the rack through their toothed interfaces. The blocking means with protrusions and recesses automatically engage when the rack is inserted, providing self-locking functionality without requiring additional complex mechanisms or active control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The pinion gear serves as a compact intermediary that converts the rotational motion of a simple operating lever into the linear motion needed to move the mounting frames together. This intermediary mechanism provides substantial mechanical advantage in a space-efficient design, avoiding the need for complex hydraulic or electrical actuation systems.
4Reliability
If blocking means are added to prevent disconnection under hydraulic pressure, then the reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The blocking means are merged with the rack structure itself, with protrusions formed directly on the rack that engage with recesses in the mounting frame. This integration eliminates the need for separate blocking components, reducing part count and assembly complexity while providing reliable prevention of disconnection under hydraulic pressure.
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 secure simultaneous connection of multiple coupling pairs with reduced manual force requirement and resistance to hydraulic pressure, ensuring stable connections without unintentional disconnection.
Implementation Method 1
at least one rack and pinion drive is arranged between the first and second mounting frame, wherein the pinion is arranged on a shaft rotatably arranged in the first mounting frame and wherein the rack extends from the second mounting frame in the direction of movement of said second mounting frame into the first mounting frame along the pinion
Implementation Method 2
blocking means comprising a hole or groove arranged in the rack and a locking pin movable perpendicularly to the movement of the at least one rack between a locking position, in which the locking pin engages in the hole or groove, and an unlocked position
Implementation Method 3
guiding means arranged to the first mounting frame and the second mounting frame for guiding the movement between the connected and disconnected position
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 4~5
AI summary
The invention relates to a coupling device for simultaneously coupling and decoupling a number of coupling pairs, which coupling device comprises: - a number of coupling pairs, each having a first coupling part and a second coupling part; - a first mounting frame on which the first coupling parts of the number of coupling pairs are arranged; - a second mounting frame arranged parallel to the first mounting frame, wherein the second coupling parts of the number of coupling pairs are arranged to the second mounting frame, and wherein the second mounting frame is movable towards to and away from the first mounting frame between a connected position, in which each first coupling part is connected with the corresponding second coupling part, and a disconnected position,; - guiding means arranged to the first mounting frame and the second mounting frame for guiding the movement between the connected and disconnected position; - at least one rack and pinion drive arranged between the first and second mounting frame, wherein the pinion is arranged on a shaft rotatable arranged in the first mounting frame and wherein the rack extends from the second mounting frame in the direction of movement of said second mounting frame into the first mounting frame along the pinion; wherein the shaft extends with at least one end out of the first mounting frame and wherein an operating lever is arranged on the shaft.