Axial Fresh Air Coupling with Rotating Lock
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing coupling devices for fresh air systems in internal combustion engines face challenges in easy installation and detachment, particularly in confined spaces where rotational movement is limited, and require a simple and cost-effective solution for connecting and disconnecting components.
Innovation Solution
A coupling device with a connector and connecting piece that uses an axially insertable plug-in connection, featuring a locking ring with radially resilient locking elements and a securing groove for secure attachment, allowing for easy detachment by rotating the locking ring to a releasing position, facilitated by a ramp region and locking window design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional coupling devices are used in confined spaces, then connection security is maintained, but installation difficulty increases due to limited rotational movement
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of requiring rotation to achieve locking (traditional approach), the invention inverts the sequence: axial insertion first, then rotation of the locking ring engages the locking elements. This inversion allows installation in confined spaces where rotation is limited, as the critical connection is established axially before any rotational movement is needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism is segmented into independent locking elements distributed around the circumference of the locking ring. Each locking element can engage its corresponding securing groove independently, allowing the connection to be established in stages during axial insertion, reducing the need for large rotational movements.
2Ease of repair
If detachable connection is implemented for maintenance, then component accessibility is improved, but connection reliability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The locking ring is designed to be rotatable relative to the connector, providing a dynamic mechanism that can transition between locked and unlocked states. The locking elements are arranged radially resiliently, allowing them to dynamically engage and disengage from the securing grooves as the locking ring rotates, ensuring reliable connection during installation and easy detachment during maintenance.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking elements act as intermediaries between the locking ring and the securing grooves. These resilient locking elements can be radially deflected to engage or disengage from the grooves, providing a mechanical mediation that ensures secure connection when engaged and easy detachment when disengaged, without compromising connection reliability.
3Strength
If multiple locking elements are used for secure connection, then connection strength is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple locking elements are merged into a single rotatable locking ring structure. The locking elements are distributed around the circumference and integrated into the ring, so that rotating the ring simultaneously engages or disengages all locking elements. This merging approach provides the connection strength of multiple locking points while avoiding the complexity of individually actuating each locking element.
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 solution enables simple and cost-effective connection and disconnection of components, ensuring secure attachment and easy handling, even in tight spaces, with the ability to be operated manually, enhancing maintenance accessibility.
Implementation Method 1
The locking ring (18) is equipped with at least one locking element (22), which is arranged in a radially resilient manner on the locking ring
Implementation Method 2
The connector (17) has at least one ramp region (39), which interacts with the respective locking element (22) when the locking ring (18) is moved from the securing position to the releasing position in such a manner that the respective ramp region (39) pushes the respective locking element (22) radially outwards
Data Source
AI summary
A coupling device for connecting at least two fluid-conducting components may include a connector that may have a securing ring. A locking ring may be arranged on the connector and be configured to transition in a circumferential direction between a securing position and a releasing position. The locking ring may include at least one locking element configured to interact with the securing ring. The locking element may be configured resilient in a radial direction. A connecting piece may be configured axially adjustable with respect to the connector and may include an outer securing groove. The locking element may radially engage into the securing groove when the locking ring is in the securing position to secure the connecting piece to the connector in the axial direction.