Ball Lock Pin Coupling With Electric Release for Secure Detachment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing purely mechanical connection systems lack flexibility for interactive use with digitalized systems and are limited in application, requiring a more integrated and flexible solution for modern networking and digitalization needs.

Innovation Solution

A locking system incorporating a ball locking pin system with an electrically operated release unit, allowing for detachable and secure connections between components, featuring a modular design with interchangeable parts and an electrically operated release mechanism.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a locking system is designed to provide secure locking and unlocking of two components, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases due to multiple locking elements and control mechanisms

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelocking reliabilityVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple locking elements (first locking element on catheter, second locking element on introducer) into a coordinated system where both elements work together to secure the catheter. This merging approach ensures reliable locking while distributing complexity across separate but integrated components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The locking system is segmented into distinct functional elements: a locking mechanism on the catheter and a corresponding mechanism on the introducer sheath. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently while maintaining overall system reliability through their coordinated interaction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If a locking system uses multiple locking elements to prevent accidental disengagement, then reliability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to increased steps required to lock and unlock

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelocking reliabilityVSAvoidoperation simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The first and second locking elements are merged into a coordinated system where the catheter locking element and introducer locking element work together. This integration ensures that both components must be properly engaged for secure locking, preventing accidental disengagement while maintaining a streamlined operation through their interdependent design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Reliability

If a locking system incorporates multiple locking elements and control mechanisms, then reliability is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelocking reliabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The locking system is divided into separate manufacturable components: a locking mechanism integrated into the catheter and a corresponding mechanism on the introducer sheath. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured independently using optimized processes, then assembled together, reducing overall manufacturing complexity while maintaining reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The locking elements are designed with universal features that can be integrated into different catheter and introducer designs. This multi-functionality approach allows the same basic locking mechanism to serve multiple purposes and be manufactured using standard processes, reducing manufacturing complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Reliability

If a locking system uses a controlled release mechanism to prevent accidental disengagement, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelocking reliabilityVSAvoidcontrol mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The controlled release feature is merged into the locking elements themselves, where the first and second locking elements are designed to work together with inherent control mechanisms. This integration ensures that disengagement requires coordinated action on both components, preventing accidental release while avoiding the need for separate complex control systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP4460642B1Locking system for releasably connecting two components of a system
Publication Date: 2026.04.29 DRES FAHRZEUGELEKTRONIK GMBH
  • EP4460642B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4460642B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4460642B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a locking system (10) for releasably connecting two components of a system. Such a system (10) comprises an insertion device (12) with a ball lock pin system (16) and a receiving device (14) which receives the insertion device (12). The receiving device (14) is designed to receive the insertion device (12) such that the insertion device (12) is movable into a locked state in the receiving device (14) by means of the ball lock pin system (16) when introduced into the receiving device (14). The insertion device (12) is operatively connected to a first component, and the receiving device (14) is operatively connected to a second component. By means of an electrically operated releasing unit (60), the locked state of the insertion device (12) in the receiving device (14) can be undone so that the insertion device (12) can be removed from the receiving device (14).