Multi-Coupler Rocker Arm Assembly for Compact Pressure Relief
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing multi-coupler connectors face challenges with large dimensions and complex assembly procedures due to rigid rocker arms, which hinder their use in applications requiring compact designs and simplified assembly.
Innovation Solution
A multi-coupler connector design featuring a rocker arm with rotatable end portions that can be inserted through coupler seats, allowing for reduced space requirements and simplified assembly, with a main housing body that can be made in a single piece without assembly windows, and a mechanism where the rocker arm is fixed to a rotation shaft through these seats.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a rigid rocker arm is used in multi-coupler connectors, then the structural strength and reliability are improved, but the overall dimensions increase and assembly complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The rocker arm is divided into multiple segments that can rotate relative to each other around a rotation axis. Each segment can be independently positioned, allowing the mechanism to achieve the necessary rocking motion while occupying less space. The segmented structure maintains structural integrity through controlled rotational joints rather than requiring a single rigid piece.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotatable segments of the rocker arm are arranged to nest within each other during rotation, with each segment able to occupy a compact position relative to the others. This nesting arrangement allows the rocker arm mechanism to fit within a smaller overall volume while still providing the full range of motion needed for actuating multiple couplers.
2Reliability
If a rigid rocker arm is used in multi-coupler connectors, then the structural strength is improved, but the assembly procedure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The rocker arm is divided into multiple segments that can rotate relative to each other around a rotation axis. Each segment can be independently positioned, allowing the mechanism to achieve the necessary rocking motion while occupying less space. The segmented structure maintains structural integrity through controlled rotational joints rather than requiring a single rigid piece.
Solution Approach 2:
The rocker arm transitions from a static rigid structure to a dynamic segmented structure where each segment can rotate independently. This dynamic configuration allows the assembly to be more flexible during installation and operation, reducing assembly complexity while maintaining the structural strength needed for reliable coupling operations.
3Ease of manufacture
If assembly windows are added to the main housing body for insertion, then the assembly procedure is simplified, but the device complexity and production costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of adding assembly windows to the housing body to facilitate insertion, the invention inverts the approach by designing the rocker arm segments to be insertable through the existing coupling seats. The segments are fed through the seats and then positioned and fixed, eliminating the need for additional windows while simplifying the overall housing structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling seats serve multiple functions: they house the couplers and also serve as insertion paths for the rocker arm segments. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate assembly windows, reducing housing complexity and production costs while maintaining ease of assembly.
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 a compact connector with reduced overall dimensions and simplified assembly, lowering production costs and making it suitable for applications with limited space, while eliminating the need for assembly windows and simplifying the insertion process.
Implementation Method 1
a rocker arm received in said chamber and adapted to be rotated on a rotation axis in a first direction of rotation and a second direction of rotation opposite to said first direction of rotation
Implementation Method 2
rotating said rocker arm in said first direction of rotation and said second direction of rotation results in said first coupler being actuated by said first actuating portion and respectively in said second coupler being actuated by said second actuating portion
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3a
AI summary
The present invention relates to a hydraulic and/or pneumatic multi-coupler connector device (1) comprising a main body (300) which defines a first seat (200a) and a second seat (200b), and a first coupler (20a) and a second coupler (20b) housed in said first seat (200a) and said second seat (200b), respectively, wherein said main body (30) further defines a chamber (50) in communication with each of said first seat (200a) and second seat (200b), said device (1) further comprising a rocker arm (12) received in said chamber (50) and adapted to be rotated on a rotation axis (A) in a first direction of rotation and a second direction of rotation opposite to said first direction of rotation, wherein rotating said rocker arm (12) in said first direction of rotation and said second direction of rotation results in said first coupler (20a) being actuated and the residual pressure inside thereof being relieved and respectively in said second coupler (20b) being actuated and the residual pressure inside thereof being relieved, wherein said rocker arm (12) comprises a main support body (12c) adapted to be rotated in said first direction of rotation and second direction of rotation, along with a first actuating portion (12a) and a second actuating portion (12b) rotatably supported by said main support body (12c) so that rotating said main support body (12c) in said first direction of rotation and second direction of rotation results in said first coupler (20a) being actuated by said first actuating portion (12a) and respectively in said second coupler (20b) being actuated by said second actuating portion (12b).