Stopcock Manifold Blocking Mechanism for Reliable Actuator Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing stopcock valve manifolds require cumbersome and unreliable mechanisms for positioning and maintaining in actuator couplings, lacking a universal fastening/blocking solution, which can lead to inconsistent insertion and stability issues, especially under gravitational forces and movement during actuation.
Innovation Solution
A stopcock manifold system with rotary mechanized actuator coupling parts featuring closed notches and a spring or automated latch system, where each coupling part individually secures the stopcock by tilting and straightening the manifold, using a front edge stop and a rear latch to prevent movement, allowing for direct and reliable positioning and blocking within the couplings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a latch mechanism is used to maintain the stopcock valve manifold in actuator couplings, then the manifold can be blocked in place, but the mechanism becomes cumbersome and unreliable for positioning and maintaining individual stopcocks
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the maintaining mechanism into individual coupling parts, each responsible for maintaining a specific stopcock. Each coupling part includes its own closed notch and bearing point, eliminating the need for a single complex latch system. This segmentation makes the mechanism simpler and more reliable, as each stopcock is independently maintained by its dedicated coupling part.
2Ease of operation
If open notches are used in actuator couplings, then stopcocks can be inserted, but the manifold does not spontaneously assume its position and requires additional blocking mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The closed notch in each coupling part is designed with a specific geometry that creates a natural positioning effect. When the crank pin is inserted, the closed notch and bearing point work together to automatically guide the manifold into its correct position without requiring additional blocking mechanisms or manual intervention. This eliminates the need for separate positioning steps.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a universal fastening mechanism is designed, then it can accommodate various manifold shapes and sizes, but no such universal mechanism is currently known
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling part is designed as a universal component that can accommodate various manifold shapes and sizes. The closed notch and bearing point configuration is standardized across different coupling parts, allowing them to work with different stopcock valve manifolds regardless of their specific dimensions. This universal design simplifies manufacturing while maintaining adaptability.
Data Source
AI summary
A stopcock manifold system includes: a manifold provided with one or several stopcocks, each having a rotary opening/closing control apparatus with at least one finger or crank pin; a rotary mechanized actuator coupling part for each manifold, a rotary axis of the coupling part corresponding in use to a rotation axis of the control apparatus, the coupling part coupling with the stopcock by insertion of each crank pin into a closed notch in the coupling part, the closed notch of each coupling part receiving one of the crank pins of the corresponding stopcock, such that the crank pin is insertable into the corresponding coupling part by tilting the manifold and then straightening it, until it abuts on a first bearing point comprised of an edge of the closed notch; and a maintaining system that enables each coupling part to individually maintain the corresponding stopcock in place.