Bayonet Lock Mechanical Coding for Correct Fluid Line Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid line connection systems require manual operation and character decoding, leading to inefficiencies and potential misassignment, especially when handling multiple fluid lines in devices like cooling units.
Innovation Solution
A bayonet lock device with a mechanical coding system featuring distinct geometries for locking arms and recesses on the first and second connection partners, ensuring automatic alignment and correct association without manual deciphering, preventing incorrect connections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual operation and symbol decoding are used for connecting fluid lines, then the connection process requires user interpretation and manual alignment, but this leads to reduced handling efficiency and potential misassignment
Solution Approach 1:
The connection system performs self-assignment through mechanical coding. The first connection partner has a unique geometric code (protrusions of varying lengths) that automatically aligns with the corresponding code on the second connection partner (recesses of varying depths), eliminating the need for manual symbol interpretation and alignment by the user.
Solution Approach 2:
The coding system uses asymmetric geometric features - protrusions of different lengths on the first connection partner correspond to recesses of different depths on the second connection partner. This asymmetric design ensures unique alignment positions, preventing misassignment and enabling automatic correct pairing without manual intervention.
2Reliability
If multiple fluid lines with symbols are used, then assignment can be made through symbol matching, but this increases the complexity of the connection process and risk of incorrect assignment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the symbolic/cognitive matching system with a purely mechanical coding system. Instead of requiring users to interpret symbols and mentally match them, the geometric codes (protrusions and recesses) physically enforce correct alignment through mechanical compatibility, increasing reliability while reducing operational complexity.
3Manufacturing precision
If locking arms are inserted into recesses for positioning, then the connection partners can be positioned in a predefined position, but without mechanical coding the assignment may be incorrect
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanical coding features (protrusions and recesses) are pre-configured in specific patterns on each connection partner. This preliminary encoding ensures that when the locking arms are inserted into the recesses, the connection partners automatically align in the correct predefined position with the correct assignment, preventing incorrect pairing before the locking action occurs.
Data Source
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Figure 4a~5b
Figure 6a~7
AI summary
The invention relates to a device for coding a first connection partner (12) and a second connection partner (14) of a bayonet lock. The first connection partner (12) has at least two locking arms (16, 18, 20) for locking the connection and is arranged on a fluid line adapter, and the second connection partner (14) has a flange ring (22) for passing through the first locking partner (12), comprising a number of recesses (24, 26, 28) for passing through the locking arms (16, 18, 20), said number corresponding to the number of locking arms (16, 18, 20), wherein the second connection partner is arranged on an adapter receiving area. A first locking arm (16) has a geometry differing from that of the other locking arms (18, 20), and a first recess (24) paired with the first locking arm (16) has a geometry adapted thereto for positioning the first connection partner (12) and the second connection partner (14) in a specified position. The other recesses (26, 28) have another geometry which is not adapted to the first locking arm (16). The device (10) additionally has a mechanical coding device, said coding device having a first coding partner (42) on the first connection partner (12) and a second coding partner (44) on the second connection partner (14). The first coding partner (42) and the second coding partner (44) are aligned in a mutually adapted manner when the first connection partner (12) and the second connection partner (14) are arranged in a specified position relative to each other and a connection is produced via the bayonet lock. The invention provides an improved device (10), which can be more effectively operated, for coding a first connection partner and a second connection partner of a bayonet lock. Thus, the connection partners of different devices (10) are prevented from being mistaken. A user can be shown, via a stop, that the first connection partner and the second connection partner are installed in the correct position and are locked.