Toolless Rotational Vacuum Coupling for Hygienic Disassembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current vacuum couplings in meat processing facilities are complex to disassemble and clean, posing challenges in maintaining cleanliness and preventing bacterial growth.
Innovation Solution
A toolless disassembly rotational valve coupling with a weld mount tube and flexible coupling handle ring, allowing hand-operable assembly and disassembly without tools, ensuring easy sterilization and cleaning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional vacuum couplings are used in meat processing facilities, then the coupling can maintain vacuum seal, but the disassembly and cleaning process becomes complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling device is divided into separable components including a coupling body, a seal assembly, and a securing ring that can be independently removed. This segmentation allows the seal assembly to be accessed and cleaned without disassembling the entire coupling, simplifying the cleaning process while maintaining vacuum integrity during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The seal assembly is extracted as a separate removable component from the coupling body. The securing ring can be manually removed without tools, allowing the seal assembly to be taken out for cleaning or replacement. This extraction principle enables easy access to the sealing surfaces and internal passages that require regular cleaning in meat processing environments.
2Ease of operation
If traditional secured methods are used for the seal retainer, then the seal remains securely in place, but tools are required for assembly and disassembly
Solution Approach 1:
The securing ring is designed as a self-service fastening mechanism that can be manually installed and removed without tools. The ring features a C-shaped cross-section that allows it to be弹性ly deformed for installation and then springs back to secure the seal assembly. This self-service principle enables operators to quickly assemble and disassemble the coupling for cleaning while maintaining reliable seal retention during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The securing ring utilizes elastic deformation as a parameter change mechanism. The ring is made of elastic material that can be temporarily deformed to an open state for installation, then returns to its original secured state to hold the seal assembly. This parameter change allows toolless operation while maintaining the reliability needed for vacuum sealing in meat processing applications.
Data Source
AI summary
A hand disassembly rotational valve coupling for tool less manipulation by a user's hands and fingers using a coupling housing body defining an output seal aperture close to an output handle retention slot and slot lip, where the slot lip has a slot handle gap and an output seal retainer including a coupling handle ring with a first triangulated offset body retention ears and hand graspable handles separated by a ring handle gap for hand assembly and disassembly from the coupling housing body.