Axial-Release Plug-In Coupling for Compact Fluid Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional plug-in couplings for fluid lines are complex to manufacture, expensive, and occupy significant space due to their size, particularly in devices like coffee machines, and often require a radially depressible pushbutton for separation.
Innovation Solution
A plug-in coupling design featuring a male and female coupling element with a plug insert that includes a plug sleeve, fixing element, and release element, allowing secure fixation and release through axial displacement, reducing size and manufacturing complexity by using a spring-loaded valve body and a sealing element to ensure fluid-tight sealing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a radially depressible pushbutton is used to secure coupling elements, then the coupling elements can be detachably connected, but the overall size increases and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using a radial pushbutton mechanism that requires lateral space, the invention inverts the release direction to axial. The release element is displaced axially to move the fixing element out of engagement with the contour, enabling coupling separation without requiring radial movement space.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the dimension of operation from radial (horizontal) to axial (vertical). By displacing the release element axially rather than radially, the coupling mechanism operates in a different spatial dimension, reducing the horizontal footprint and overall size of the coupling assembly.
2Reliability
If conventional coupling mechanisms with multiple components are used, then secure connection is achieved, but manufacturing complexity increases and production cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges multiple functions into fewer components. The release element simultaneously controls the fixing element's position and enables coupling separation. The spring element provides both the holding force and the release mechanism when axially displaced, reducing the total component count and simplifying manufacturing.
Solution Approach 2:
The fixing element serves multiple functions: it engages with the contour to secure the coupling, can be moved axially to release the coupling, and works with the spring element to provide both holding and releasing capabilities. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components for each function.
3Reliability
If a spring-loaded valve body is used for sealing, then fluid-tight sealing is achieved when uncoupled, but the coupling mechanism becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The spring-loaded valve body is a self-actuating sealing mechanism. When the coupling elements are separated, the spring automatically pushes the valve body against the sealing seat to close the fluid passage. When coupling elements are joined, the mechanical interaction automatically moves the valve body away from the sealing seat, opening the passage. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for additional actuators or control systems.
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 design achieves a cost-effective, compact plug-in coupling with enhanced sealing capabilities and simplified manufacturing, ensuring secure connection and reduced space requirements while maintaining fluid integrity.
Implementation Method 1
The first valve body is arranged in a spring-loaded manner so as to be displaceable in the first coupling element housing and, in the uncoupled state of the plug-in coupling, rests against a sealing seat provided in the first coupling element housing due to the spring load.
Implementation Method 2
The second coupling element has a second valve body, which is spring-loaded and displaceably arranged in the second coupling element housing and, when the plug-in coupling is uncoupled, is in a sealed position due to the spring load.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~5
Figure 6~7
AI summary
The invention relates to a plug-in coupling comprising a first coupling element (2) as a male coupling element and a second coupling element (3) as a female coupling element, wherein the first coupling element (2) has a first valve body (2.1) and a first coupling element housing (2.2), wherein the first valve body (2.1) is arranged in a spring-loaded manner in the first coupling element housing (2.2) and, in the uncoupled state of the plug-in coupling (1), bears against a sealing seat provided in the first coupling element housing (2.2) due to the spring load, wherein the second coupling element (3) has a second coupling element housing (3.2) with an opening into which the first coupling element (2) can be partially inserted, wherein the opening of the second coupling element (3) has a plug-in insert (4) for fixing the first coupling element (2) in the second coupling element housing (3.2), wherein the plug-in insert (4) has a plug-in sleeve (4.1), a fixing element (4.2) and a release member (4.3) with an insertion opening, wherein the fixing element (4.2) is designed for the releasable fixing of the first coupling element (2) inserted into the insertion opening in the plug-in insert (4) and the release member (4.3) interacts with the fixing element (4.2) in such a way that the fixing of the first coupling element (2) is released by an axial displacement of the release member (4.3) relative to the plug-in sleeve (4.1).