Bayonet Lock Mechanical Coding for Correct Fluid Line Mating
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid line connection systems lack effective mechanisms to prevent confusion and ensure correct association between fluid line adapters and receiving members, leading to potential damage and inefficiency in assembly.
Innovation Solution
A bayonet lock apparatus with a mechanical coding device featuring distinct geometries on locking arms and recesses, allowing only one predefined position for connection, and a coding system where compatible partners automatically align, preventing incorrect associations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If symbols are used to code fluid lines and receiving members, then association between components is improved, but assembly efficiency deteriorates due to manual verification requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanical coding device enables self-verification through automatic mechanical interaction. The first coding partner on the fluid line adapter and the second coding partner on the receiving member automatically engage or conflict based on their geometric compatibility, allowing the system to self-verify correct association without manual intervention. This resolves the contradiction by maintaining high reliability through automatic mechanical checking while improving productivity by eliminating manual symbol verification.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the manual visual verification system with an automatic mechanical coding device. Instead of relying on human operators to visually match symbols, the mechanical coding partners (protrusions and recesses, or gear-like structures) automatically interact through mechanical engagement. This substitution eliminates the need for manual verification, thereby improving assembly efficiency while maintaining association accuracy through the inherent mechanical compatibility design.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple fluid lines are used in an apparatus, then functionality is improved, but confusion between lines increases leading to potential damage
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanical coding device segments the coding function into distinct first and second coding partners located on different components (fluid line adapter and receiving member). Each coding partner has a unique geometric configuration that corresponds to specific connection requirements. This segmentation allows multiple fluid lines with different coding configurations to be clearly distinguished, preventing confusion while maintaining the functionality of having multiple lines in the system.
3Manufacturing precision
If locking arms are arranged in a star-like manner, then positioning precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The star-like arrangement of locking arms serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides precise positioning through geometric constraints, enables mechanical coding through the specific angular distribution of arms, and ensures stable locking through the distributed locking points. This multi-functionality allows the same structural configuration to achieve positioning precision without proportionally increasing device complexity, as the coding and locking functions are integrated into the same geometric arrangement.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for coding a first connection partner and a second connection partner of a bayonet lock. The first connection partner has at least two locking arms for locking the connection and is arranged on a fluid line adapter. The second connection partner has a flange ring for guiding through the first locking partner with a number of recesses which corresponds to the number of locking arms for guiding through the locking arms and is arranged on an adapter receiving member. A first locking arm has a different geometry from the other locking arms. A first recess which is associated with the first locking arm has a compatible geometry for positioning the first connection partner and the second connection partner in a predefined position, and the additional recesses have a different geometry which is not compatible with the first locking arm. The apparatus further has a mechanical coding device.