Adapter Sleeve Plug Connector With Protected Elastic Locking Arms
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connectors face challenges in maintaining elasticity and protection of locking means, especially in cramped installations, due to material limitations and exposure to dirt and damage, while also requiring a compact design.
Innovation Solution
The locking means are integrated into a separate adapter sleeve inserted into the housing, allowing for different materials and a protected arrangement, with form-fitting elements providing axial and circumferential fixation, and a release mechanism for easy disengagement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If locking means are integrated into the housing, then the housing structure is simplified, but the locking arms lose elasticity and cannot function properly
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is divided into separate functional components: the housing and the adapter sleeve. The locking arms are integrated into the adapter sleeve rather than the housing, allowing each component to be optimized independently. The adapter sleeve can be made from elastomeric material to provide the necessary elasticity for the locking arms, while the housing can be made from rigid material for structural support.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism is extracted from the housing and placed into a separate adapter sleeve. This extraction allows the locking arms to be made from elastomeric material that provides the necessary spring force, while the housing can be made from materials with different properties (rigid materials, materials with specific flammability ratings) without compromising the elasticity of the locking mechanism.
2Ease of operation
If the socket section has a large cutout for locking arms, then the locking mechanism can be accessed, but dirt can easily penetrate and the locking arms are unprotected
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter sleeve with the locking arms is nested within the housing. The sleeve section of the adapter sleeve is received within the socket section of the housing, creating a protected environment for the locking mechanism. The housing walls surround and protect the locking arms from external contaminants while still allowing the locking mechanism to function through the sleeve structure.
3Device complexity
If the adapter sleeve is not positively locked, then the design is simpler, but the connector can loosen under tensile stress and rotate
Solution Approach 1:
The positive locking mechanism replaces friction-based or interference-fit connections. The locking arms with locking cams engage with corresponding features on the mating connector to create a mechanical interlock that prevents both axial separation and rotational movement. This mechanical locking system provides reliable stability under tensile stress and prevents rotation without requiring complex additional components.
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
This design ensures full elasticity and protection of locking means, prevents damage from adjacent housings, and allows for a compact, reliable connector with enhanced crash safety and easy release functionality.
Implementation Method 1
two radially elastic locking arms with respect to a longitudinal center axis XX of the adapter sleeve 7... locking arms 10 have locking cams 12 at their free ends... locking cams 12 engage in a locking groove 13 of a mating connector 14
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4
AI summary
The present invention relates to a plug connector (1) for connecting at least one fluid line to another fluid line or to a connecting port, comprising a housing (2) having a through-channel (5), one end of the housing (2) being formed as a sleeve portion (3) for insertion of a mating connector (14) and having detent means (10, 12) for detachably fixing the mating connector (14). The detent means (10, 12) form part of an adapter sleeve (7) which can be inserted in the sleeve portion (3), is held in said sleeve portion (3) by means of locking elements (28) and has a through-opening (8) for a plug shank (23) of the mating connector (14). The locking means are constituted of at least two detent arms (10) that are radially elastic relative to a longitudinal center axis (X-X) of the adapter sleeve (7), that extend in parallel to the longitudinal center axis (X-X) and that are formed at the circumference of the adapter sleeve (7) by slot-type cutouts (11) in the wall of said sleeve. The detent arms (10) are molded to the end of the adapter sleeve (7) which lies inside the sleeve portion (3) when the adapter sleeve is inserted and the free ends of the detent arms have detent cams (12) that extend radially towards the longitudinal center axis (X-X). The locking elements (28) consist of snap-in pins (29) on the outer circumference of the adapter sleeve (7) between the detent arms (10), which snap-in pins extend counter tho the insertion direction (Z) of the adapter sleeve (8) at an acute angle to the longitudinal center axis (X-X) and interlockingly snap into recesses (30) in the peripheral wall of the sleeve portion (3) in at least the axial direction when the adapter sleeve is inserted. The invention further relates to a mating connector (14) for insertion in a plug connector of the above type and to a plug coupling which consists of a plug connector and a mating connector according to the invention.