Connector Device Decoupling Locking Projections via Deformation Zone
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connection devices for media lines face difficulties in easy detachment due to high release forces, which complicates the removal of the insert part from the base part.
Innovation Solution
The locking projections of the spring arms are decoupled from the sealing area via a deformation zone, allowing for a low release force by enabling radial movement without significant movement of the spring arms, thus simplifying detachment while maintaining secure locking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the spring arms are rigidly connected to the sealing area, then the locking is secure, but the release force becomes too high for easy detachment
Solution Approach 1:
The spring arm is divided into two functional zones: a rigid locking zone containing the locking projection that maintains secure engagement, and a flexible deformation zone that allows easy release. This segmentation enables the spring arm to provide both strong locking and simple detachment by localizing different mechanical properties to different regions of the same component.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the spring arm are given different mechanical qualities: the locking projection area maintains high rigidity for secure locking, while the deformation zone is designed with reduced bending stiffness for flexible release movement. This local differentiation of material properties resolves the contradiction between secure locking and easy detachment.
2Ease of operation
If the spring arms are made flexible for easy release, then detachment is simplified, but the locking security is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The spring arm structure separates the flexibility requirement for release into a dedicated deformation zone, while the locking projection area maintains rigidity. This ensures that flexibility is provided only where needed for easy detachment, without compromising the locking security at the engagement point.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring arm transitions from a static, uniformly rigid structure to a dynamic structure with localized flexibility. The deformation zone enables controlled flexing during release while the locking zone maintains structural integrity, allowing the component to adapt its mechanical behavior to the operational phase (locking vs. releasing).
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
This design significantly improves detachability with a low radial release force, ensuring easy removal of the media line while maintaining high security against unintentional detachment.
Implementation Method 1
each spring arm has a weakened zone with reduced bending stiffness as a deformation zone in an area between the inner cone and the free end of the spring arm in such a way that when the free end of the spring arm is radially supported on the line the latching attachment can be moved radially inwards into its release position under elastic bending deformation of the weakened zone
Data Source
Figure 1~3
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Figure 11~17
AI summary
The invention relates to a connector device (1) for pluggingly connecting at least one media conduit (6). Said connector device (1) is composed of a housing part (2) comprising at least one receiving hole (4) for plugging in the conduit (6), and a clamping ring (8) which is arranged in the receiving hole (4) and cooperates with an inner cone (16) of the housing part (2) in order to lock the plugged-in conduit (6). The two-piece housing part (2) encompasses an outer base piece (28) and an inner insertion piece (32) that is removably connected to the base piece (28) via a catching connection (30) and is provided with the inner cone (16). The insertion piece (32) is equipped with at least two radially elastic spring arms (40) so as to be able to remove the conduit (6), the free ends (48) of said spring arms (40) extending from the region of the inner cone (16) in the direction of the mouth side of the receiving hole (4). Radially outward-protruding catching extensions (42) of the spring arms (40) engage into corresponding catching holes (44) of the base piece (28). The catching extensions (42) can be moved radially inward into a detached position releasing the catching holes (44) for detaching purposes. A contamination seal (34) comprising a sealing area (A) is disposed in the region of free ends (48) of the spring arms to circumferentially rest upon the media conduit (6). The catching extensions (42) of the spring arms (40) are disconnected, regarding the radial detaching movement thereof, from the sealing area (A) of the contamination seal (34) via a deformation zone (49) in such a way that the radial detaching movement of the catching extensions (42) is performed substantially without being influenced by the contamination seal (34) radially resting on the media conduit (6) because the deformation zone (49) is deformed.