Actuating Device for Rapid Coupling with Pivoting Lever

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing rapid coupling systems for fluid transfer are complex and require separate operations, making them difficult to handle securely and efficiently, especially under adverse conditions.

Innovation Solution

An actuating apparatus with a tubular housing and a slide mechanism coupled with a pivoting lever, featuring a connecting lever that enables low-friction operation and secure locking, allowing for one-hand operation and reduced wear and maintenance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a rapid coupling system uses multiple valves and components to ensure secure sealing and connection, then the reliability of fluid transfer is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesecure sealingVSAvoidplurality of components
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple functions (sealing, locking, actuating) into an integrated coupling mechanism where the tong elements serve both as locking components and sealing surfaces, reducing the need for separate valves and components while maintaining secure fluid transfer

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Reliability

If a rapid coupling requires separate operation of actuating devices and levers to control multiple valves, then the reliability of valve sequencing is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevalve sequencingVSAvoidhandling
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The coupling mechanism integrates valve actuation and tong closure into a single automated sequence triggered by one manual action (inserting the coupling), eliminating the need for separate lever operations and simplifying user interaction while maintaining reliable sequencing

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The design incorporates pre-positioned valves and pre-loaded springs that automatically execute the correct sequencing actions in the proper order during the coupling insertion process, removing the burden of manual sequencing from the operator

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Reliability

If a rapid coupling uses a complex actuating device with multiple moving parts to enable secure connection, then the reliability of connection is improved, but the ease of manufacture deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection securityVSAvoidconstruction
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The coupling is divided into modular components (housing, tong elements, springs, seals) that can be manufactured separately and assembled, simplifying the manufacturing process while maintaining the reliability of the complete connection mechanism

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS8028727B2Actuating device for a rapid coupling
Publication Date: 2011.10.04 WEH INC
  • US8028727B2 patent drawing
  • US8028727B2 patent drawing
  • US8028727B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A simple design of an actuating device for a rapid coupling used for transferring gaseous and/or liquid fluids includes a tubular housing and a slide which is movably mounted relative to the housing and is coupled to a lever mechanism that is provided with at least one pivoted lever laterally mounted on the housing. At least one connecting lever extends to the slide on the pivoted lever, thus also obtaining safe handling.