Combined Electric and Hydraulic Connector with Automatic Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing plug connection devices are not economical or space-efficient for simultaneously establishing multiple hydraulic/pneumatic and electric connections, especially in applications with limited space.
Innovation Solution
A combined connector device with integrated hydraulic/pneumatic ports and electric terminals, featuring a socket and plug design that allows for simultaneous connection and automatic locking, utilizing a Y-piece configuration with clamping rollers and an actuating mechanism for secure fluid-tight and electric contact establishment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate electric and hydraulic/pneumatic connector devices are used, then each connection type can be established reliably, but the space required and device complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines electric contacts and hydraulic/pneumatic ports into a single integrated connector device. The connector housing contains both electric contact elements and fluid connection elements (screw connections, bayonet connections, or quick-connect couplings) within the same structural unit, allowing simultaneous establishment of electrical and fluid connections through a single plug-in operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector device is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it establishes electrical contact through conductive elements while also providing hydraulic or pneumatic fluid pathways through integrated ports and channels. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate connector devices for different connection types.
2Reliability
If multiple separate connector devices are used for hydraulic/pneumatic and electric connections, then each connection can be secured independently, but the number of components and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple connection functions into a single connector assembly. The housing contains both electric contact elements and fluid connection elements (screw connections, bayonet connections, or quick-connect couplings) within the same structural unit, reducing the total number of components while maintaining independent security for each connection type.
Solution Approach 2:
While integrating functions, the connector is segmented into distinct functional zones: electric contact regions with conductive elements, fluid pathway regions with ports and sealing mechanisms, and actuation regions with locking mechanisms. This segmentation allows each subsystem to be optimized independently while maintaining overall integration.
3Ease of operation
If traditional separate connector devices are used, then installation is straightforward for each connection type, but the time and space required for establishing multiple connections increase
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated connector allows simultaneous establishment of multiple connection types (electrical and fluid) through a single plug-in operation. The connector housing contains alignment features and actuating mechanisms that engage all connection elements simultaneously, reducing installation time compared to sequential connection of separate devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector is pre-configured with alignment features, pre-positioned sealing elements, and pre-loaded spring mechanisms. When the plug is inserted, these pre-positioned elements automatically engage in the correct sequence and orientation, eliminating the need for manual alignment or adjustment during installation.
Data Source
AI summary
A combined socket for simultaneously establishing electric as well as hydraulic/pneumatic connections comprising a preferably slot-shaped receiving element in which electric contacts as well as hydraulic/pneumatic ports are integrated and comprising a locking mechanism for locking the positive contact by a plug, the locking mechanism being actuated hydraulically/pneumatically, electrically or electromagnetically.