Coding Ring Identification for Line Connection Elements

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing connection systems for line elements used in media conveyance lack effective identification and marking methods, leading to confusion and inefficiencies in assembly and storage, particularly for screw elements that differ only in calibration.

Innovation Solution

A connection element featuring a hollow screw with a threaded part and a body part, equipped with a coding ring that fits into an annular groove or projection, allowing for clear identification and marking, enabling simple assembly and storage of universally usable line elements.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If connection elements are designed without special identification, then storage and assembly are simplified, but identification and differentiation of line elements become difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembly and storageVSAvoididentification of line elements
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies color-coded coding rings with different colors (red, yellow, blue, green, etc.) to represent different line element types, calibrations, or identification codes. This allows visual differentiation of connection elements without modifying the basic structure, enabling easy identification during assembly and storage while maintaining simplicity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #32Color changes

Solution Approach 2:

The coding ring serves as an intermediary element that provides identification functionality without being part of the core connection structure. The ring can be easily attached to or removed from the connection element, serving as a separate identification carrier that doesn't interfere with the mechanical connection function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If coding rings are integrated into the connection element design, then identification is reliable, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemarking identificationVSAvoidconnection element structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The identification system is segmented into a separate coding ring component that can be independently manufactured and attached to the connection element. This segmentation allows the identification function to be added without redesigning the entire connection element, maintaining structural simplicity while ensuring reliable identification through the dedicated ring component.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The coding rings are pre-manufactured with specific colors, codes, or patterns before being attached to the connection elements. This preliminary preparation allows for standardized identification systems to be implemented without increasing the complexity of the connection element assembly process, as the rings can be quickly attached or pre-assembled.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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 coding ring system facilitates reliable marking and identification of line connections, simplifying assembly and storage by ensuring correct part alignment and preventing confusion, even when elements have similar calibrations.

Implementation Method 1

The coding ring (11) consists of a material that is elastically deformable for plugging, for example plastic

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP2394088B8Connecting device for a guide element and connecting system
Publication Date: 2019.01.16 LABOMATIC INSTRUMENTS AG

AI summary

The invention relates to a connecting device (1) for a guide element (6) for conveying a medium, made of a hollow screw element that can be fit onto the guide element, comprising a threaded part (2) and a body part (3) optionally having a tool receiver, and that can be threaded together with a screw element comprising a complementary thread and a body part. The connecting device is characterized in that the body part of the screw element and/or the complementary screw element comprises a seat (12) for the form-fit and/or force-fit receiving of a preferably elastic encoding ring (11) that can be assembled or fit thereto, wherein the coding ring preferably comprises a shape complementary to the seat.