Rotatable Coupling Base With Locking Stopper for Easy Release
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing coupling devices are difficult to connect and disconnect, require complex components, and are not suitable for medical environments where cleaning and sterilization are necessary, and they do not allow for adjustable positioning of attached devices during transportation.
Innovation Solution
A coupling device with a base member and a plate member that can be releasably connected using a stopper and actuation mechanism, allowing for quick one-hand connection and disconnection, enabling rotational adjustment, and featuring a stopper that moves between neutral and locked positions to secure the plate member to the base member.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a coupling device uses a stopper and actuation mechanism for connection and disconnection, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling device is divided into distinct functional components: a stopper element, an actuation mechanism, a body, and a plate member. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, simplifying the overall operation while maintaining manageable complexity through modular design
Solution Approach 2:
The actuation mechanism is designed to automatically move the stopper between locked and unlocked positions when activated, and the stopper automatically engages with or disengages from the plate member opening based on its position. This self-service mechanism reduces the need for complex control systems and manual intervention
2Reliability
If the stopper is moved to locked position to secure the plate member, then the reliability of connection is improved, but the ease of operation for disconnection deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The stopper is designed to be movable between two distinct positions: a locked position where it engages with the plate member opening to provide secure connection, and an unlocked position where it disengages to allow easy disconnection. The actuation mechanism enables dynamic transition between these states, maintaining both security and operational ease
Solution Approach 2:
The actuation mechanism is designed to automatically position the stopper in the locked position once the plate member is inserted, securing the connection without requiring additional manual steps. This preliminary action ensures reliability is established before the user needs to perform any further operations
3Adaptability or versatility
If the coupling device allows rotational movement of the plate member, then the adaptability is improved, but the stability of connection deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling device allows the plate member to rotate dynamically around the stopper when the stopper is in the unlocked position, providing adaptability for positioning. Once the desired orientation is achieved, the actuation mechanism moves the stopper to the locked position, where it engages with the plate member opening to stabilize the connection and prevent unwanted movement
Data Source
AI summary
A coupling device includes base and plate members that are connectable to one another. The base member has a body with a coupling face, a stopper connected to the body and moveable between neutral and locked positions, and an actuation mechanism for moving the stopper. In a connected mode of the coupling device, a contact portion of the coupling face contacts a contact face of the plate member, and an alignment area of the contact portion corresponds to a position of an opening of the plate member. In the neutral position, the stopper is aligned with the alignment area and can be received in the opening thereby permitting removal of the plate member from the base member. In the locked position, the stopper is misaligned with the alignment area, and extends over a part of the plate member to restrict movement of the plate member away from the base member.