C-Clip Latching Mechanism for Media Line Connectors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connection devices for media lines face challenges in simplifying assembly and ensuring easy manual release while maintaining high reliability against unwanted release, often requiring precise alignment and tool-assisted release.
Innovation Solution
A connection device utilizing a C-shaped spring clip that engages radially inward through orifices into a circumferential latching groove, allowing for simple manual release and high reliability against unwanted release, with oblique faces on latching extensions for secure latching and a web-like securing portion for additional security.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If two elastic latching arms with projecting actuation portions are used for manual release, then simple manual release is possible, but the projecting actuation extensions may cause obstruction or lead to unwanted release
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of having latching arms project outward from the basic part, the invention inverts the design by having the latching arms be received within the basic part. The actuation portions are positioned inside the basic part rather than projecting outward, eliminating the obstruction problem while maintaining manual releasability through the wall opening.
Solution Approach 2:
The wall opening serves as an intermediary mechanism that allows actuation of the latching arms without requiring external projecting portions. The opening provides a pathway to access and actuate the latching arms from the outside while keeping the actuation portions contained within the basic part structure.
2Reliability
If radial latching extensions with through orifices are used for latching, then high reliability against unwanted release is achieved, but release is possible only by means of a suitable auxiliary tool
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of having latching extensions project radially outward requiring external tool access, the invention inverts the design by having latching arms be received within the basic part. The actuation portions are positioned inside the basic part and accessible through a wall opening, allowing direct manual actuation without external tools.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection device enables self-service release by positioning the actuation portions within the basic part where they can be directly accessed and actuated through the wall opening. This eliminates the need for external auxiliary tools, allowing the user to release the connection device themselves by simply actuating the latching arms through the opening.
3Reliability
If latching extensions are used for assembly, then reliable latching is achieved, but assembly is possible only in a defined rotary orientation
Solution Approach 1:
The invention employs asymmetric features including an asymmetric actuation portion on the latching arm and a corresponding asymmetric actuation opening in the wall. This asymmetric design provides guidance during assembly, ensuring that the insert part can be assembled only in the correct rotary orientation, while maintaining reliable latching through the engagement of the latching arm with the basic part.
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
Enables easy assembly in any rotary orientation and simple manual release without tools, while maintaining high reliability against unwanted release, with the spring clip being blocked against radial removal until moved in the plug-in direction.
Implementation Method 1
each latching extension is urged radially outward via its oblique face, along with the spring-elastic deformation of the spring clip, and subsequently latches into the latching groove as a result of the spring-elastic back deformation of the spring clip
Data Source
AI summary
A connection device for the plug connection of at least one media line includes a housing part with at least one reception orifice for plugging in a plug portion connected or connectable to the at least one media line. The housing part includes a basic part and an insert part. The basic part is releasably connected with a form fit to the insert part via a latching connection. The latching connection holds the insert part releasably and is formed by a C-shaped spring clip which is seated on the outside of the basic part and engages with at least one latching extension radially through an orifice of the basic part into a circumferential latching groove of the insert part.