Rotational Hydraulic Multi-Coupling for Independent Pressure Relief
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional lever-operated multi-couplings face challenges in connecting and disconnecting under both female and male pressure, with see-saw lever designs being unsuitable for horizontal mounting positions due to space constraints and lacking auto-pressure relief during connection operations.
Innovation Solution
A compact multi-coupling assembly utilizing a single rotational lever with cams and stop member cups, allowing independent disconnection of male couplers by releasing internal pressure prior to moving female coupling cartridges to the release position, and providing pressure relief during connection, enabling operation in both horizontal and vertical orientations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a see-saw lever design is used to enable independent coupling release, then coupling independence is improved, but the device becomes unsuitable for horizontal mounting positions due to space constraints
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional see-saw lever mechanism by replacing it with a rotational lever system. Instead of a linear see-saw motion that requires substantial space, the invention uses a rotational lever (175) that pivots about an axis perpendicular to the coupler axes, enabling independent coupling release while accommodating both horizontal and vertical mounting positions.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a linear see-saw motion to a rotational motion in a different dimension. The rotational lever operates in a plane perpendicular to the coupler axes, effectively using a different spatial dimension to achieve the same functional goal of independent coupling release while reducing space requirements.
2Volume of moving object
If a compact design is implemented to fit space constraints, then device size is reduced, but pressure relief capability during connection operations is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The rotational lever system incorporates pressure relief capability as a preliminary action during the connection operation. As the lever rotates to engage the couplers, it automatically triggers pressure relief before full connection is achieved, ensuring safe operation while maintaining a compact design.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs pressure relief automatically as part of the connection sequence without requiring additional components or manual intervention. The rotational lever's motion inherently activates the pressure relief mechanism, allowing the compact design to maintain full pressure relief capability through self-service operation.
3Device complexity
If a single rotational lever is used to reduce complexity, then device complexity is reduced, but independent control of multiple couplers becomes challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The rotational lever system segments the control function by incorporating individual cams (177, 179) for each coupler. These cams are positioned at different angular locations on the lever, allowing each coupler to be independently controlled by rotating the lever to the appropriate angular position, thereby maintaining simplicity while enabling independent control.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses dynamic angular positioning of the rotational lever to achieve independent control. By rotating the lever to different angular positions, each cam engages with its corresponding coupler at the appropriate moment in the rotation cycle, providing dynamic and independent control of multiple couplers through a single lever mechanism.
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 independent coupling release and connection with residual pressure management, improving operator interface and adaptability in various vehicle configurations, while maintaining a compact design.
Implementation Method 1
A rotational lever (175) may be provided having a handle portion (176) external from the housing (12) and a shaft portion (174) extending from the handle portion into the housing. Rotation of the rotational lever may move one of the female coupling cartridges (14, 16) from the coupling position to the release position without affecting a connection state of the other of the female coupling cartridges.
Implementation Method 2
A first cam member (177) may be located on the shaft portion (174) adjacent to the first female coupler (14), and a second cam member (178) may be located on the shaft portion (174) adjacent to the second female coupler (16).
Implementation Method 3
Pressure relief valves (150) may be operated such that internal pressure within a female coupler is released prior to the female coupler reaching the release position during a disconnection operation of the male coupler, and prior to the female coupler reaching the coupling position during a connection operation of the male coupler.
Data Source
AI summary
A multi-coupling assembly includes a first female coupler and a second female coupler whereby the female couplers are independently operable. Rotation of a rotational lever moves one of the female couplers from the coupling position to the release position without affecting a connection state of the other of the female couplers. Such independent operation of the female couplers is achieved by rotating cams that are configured such that when one of the cams rotates to interact against its respective female coupler, the other of the cams does not act on its respective female coupler. Pressure relief valves are operated such that internal pressure within a female coupler is released prior to the female coupler reaching the release position during a disconnection operation of the male coupler, and prior to the female coupler reaching the coupling position during a connection operation of a male coupler.