Quick Coupling Valve Cam Lock for Leak-Safe Water Connection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current quick coupling valve systems for delivering water to large areas, such as golf courses, face difficulties in easy connection and alignment, often resulting in leaks and safety hazards due to the need for alignment members and screwing actions, which can lead to accidental disconnection and injury.
Innovation Solution
The system employs a quick coupling valve and key that can connect in any direction without alignment guides, using a single lever to lock and activate fluid flow, eliminating the need for screwing or turning, thus enhancing safety and preventing fluid bleeding.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If alignment members (stud and alignment notch) are used to ensure proper connection, then connection reliability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to the need for precise alignment
Solution Approach 1:
The valve key incorporates a cam mechanism with an asymmetric locking surface that engages with a corresponding asymmetric surface on the valve body. This asymmetric design provides a self-aligning feature where the cam profile guides the key into proper orientation during insertion, eliminating the need for precise pre-alignment while ensuring reliable locking engagement.
Solution Approach 2:
The cam mechanism is designed to perform the alignment and locking actions automatically during the insertion process. As the key is inserted, the cam profile pre-positioned on the key engages with the valve body and automatically orients the key correctly, performing the alignment action beforehand without requiring user intervention for precise positioning.
2Strength
If screwing action is used to secure the valve key, then connection strength is improved, but safety deteriorates due to risk of accidental unscrewing and injury
Solution Approach 1:
The traditional screwing mechanism is replaced with a cam-based locking system. The cam mechanism uses rotational motion to engage locking surfaces and secure the valve key through a locking arm that engages with a detent or groove. This substitution eliminates the threaded connection that could accidentally unscrew under vibration or stress, providing a more secure and safer connection that cannot inadvertently disengage.
3Reliability
If multiple components (alignment members, screwing mechanism) are used, then connection reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The alignment feature, locking mechanism, and sealing function are merged into a single integrated cam structure. The cam profile simultaneously provides alignment guidance during insertion, mechanical locking through the cam surface engagement, and maintains sealing pressure. This consolidation eliminates the need for separate alignment members and complex screwing mechanisms, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining reliable connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The cam mechanism serves multiple functions: it guides alignment during insertion, provides mechanical locking to secure the valve key, maintains sealing contact, and prevents reverse rotation. By designing this single component to perform multiple functions that were previously handled by separate components, the overall device complexity is reduced while ensuring reliable and safe operation.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and devices for use in delivery of water to areas of land. The systems include quick coupling valves, quick coupling valve keys, and fluid delivery systems that utilize quick coupling valves and quick coupling valve keys.