Annular Plug Coupling with Segmented Spring Damping

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing plug couplings, particularly cap-shaped designs, face limitations in strength, damping, and space efficiency under combined tensile and transverse loads, leading to unreliable hold and support, especially in applications requiring radial and axial damping and tolerance compensation.

Innovation Solution

An annular plug coupling with a centrally arranged ball socket and intermediate ring featuring radially extending spring elements, providing adjustable damping and compensation in multiple directions through curvilinear designs, and a production method involving injection molding for reduced space requirements and enhanced stability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If cap-shaped plug couplings are used with segmented sidewalls, then the coupling can be mounted in component openings, but the strength is limited under combined tensile and transverse forces

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemounting capabilityVSAvoidstrength under combined loads

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The intermediate ring is divided into multiple segments that can move relative to each other, allowing the coupling to accommodate combined tensile and transverse forces while maintaining mounting capability in component openings

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The coupling transitions from a static cap-shaped structure to a dynamic segmented structure where the intermediate ring segments can move and adapt under combined loads, enhancing strength while preserving ease of mounting

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Object-affected harmful factors

If a circumferential collar with damping wrinkles is used, then radial vibrations can be damped, but the design height increases and space requirement grows

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveradial vibration dampingVSAvoiddesign height

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The damping function is moved from the radial dimension (collar wrinkles) to the axial dimension (spring elements), allowing vibration damping without increasing design height, as the spring elements compress axially rather than extending radially

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Reliability

If a closed circumferential collar is used for mounting, then the coupling can be secured in component openings, but axial compensation movements are limited and space requirement increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemounting securityVSAvoidaxial compensation capability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The static closed collar is replaced with dynamic spring elements that provide both mounting security through locking connections and axial compensation through compressible curvilinear paths, enabling simultaneous reliability and adaptability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

4Adaptability or versatility

If multiple materials are used for different components, then functional requirements can be optimized, but production complexity and manufacturing cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefunctional optimizationVSAvoidproduction simplicity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple functional components (intermediate ring, spring elements, locking mechanisms) are merged into a single injection-molded plastic part, simplifying production while maintaining the functional optimization achieved through careful design of the integrated structure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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

The annular plug coupling achieves improved strength, reduced space usage, and adaptable damping and tolerance compensation, ensuring reliable connection and extended lifespan by utilizing a single material or material combinations for simplified production and enhanced stability.

Implementation Method 1

an intermediate ring with a plurality of curvilinear and radially inwardly extending first spring elements, which are connected with the ball socket, and a plurality of curvilinear and radially outwardly extending second spring elements

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS10570942B2Annular plug coupling, and production method and connection method therefor

Publication Date: 2020.02.25 BOLLHOFF VERBINDUNGSTECHNIK GMBH

AI summary

An annular plug coupling which can be fastened within an opening in a first component and has the following features: a central coupling seat, in particular a ball socket, to which a coupling head of a second part can be releasably connected, and an intermediate ring that includes a plurality of curved, radially inward-extending first spring elements connected to the ball socket, and a plurality of curved, radially outward-extending second spring elements which are provided with a locking connection at a radially outward end such that the plug coupling can be locked within the opening in the component.