Connector Radial Holding Element Confined Space Release
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connectors for hoses and pipelines face challenges in providing secure and easy-to-release connections, especially in confined spaces like batteries, where actuating a release tool is difficult due to limited space.
Innovation Solution
A connector design featuring a C-shaped holding element that can be radially or axially attached to the plug part, with a release tool that engages in an engagement gap between the socket and plug parts to disengage the retaining lugs from the latching surface, allowing for secure locking and easy release without requiring manual operation of external locking elements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a holding element with external locking elements is used, then secure locking is achieved, but actuation in confined spaces becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The holding element is inserted into the receiving opening of the socket part, with the retaining lugs nesting within the receiving opening. The release tool engages through an engagement gap to actuate the holding element from the outside, allowing the locking mechanism to be compact and accessible in confined spaces while maintaining secure locking
Solution Approach 2:
The release tool serves as an intermediary mechanism that transfers force through the engagement gap to disengage the retaining lugs from the latching surface. This mediator allows operators to release the connection without directly manipulating the holding element itself, solving the problem of actuating locking elements in confined spaces
2Ease of operation
If the holding element is easily accessible, then release operation is simplified, but unauthorized opening becomes possible
Solution Approach 1:
The release tool acts as a required intermediary for disengagement. The engagement gap allows the tool to reach the holding element, but the design ensures that only with the proper release tool can the retaining lugs be disengaged from the latching surface, preventing unauthorized opening while maintaining ease of legitimate release
Solution Approach 2:
The holding element includes a resilient holding arm that can be elastically deformed. This flexibility allows the release tool to engage and displace the holding arm to release the connection, providing a controlled mechanism that balances accessibility with security against unauthorized opening
3Reliability
If manual operation of external locking elements is required, then secure locking is maintained, but operation in tight spaces becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The release tool serves as an intermediary that allows operators to disengage the holding element without directly manipulating the retaining lugs or holding arm. The tool engages through the engagement gap and applies force to release the connection, enabling operation in tight spaces where direct manual manipulation would be impossible
Solution Approach 2:
The holding element is nested within the socket part's receiving opening, with only the engagement gap accessible from the outside. This nesting arrangement maintains secure locking while allowing the release tool to access and actuate the holding element through the limited opening
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 secure locking and easy release of connections in tight spaces without unintentional loosening, facilitating modular design and protection against unauthorized opening, with the ability to use different materials for enhanced durability and safety.
Implementation Method 1
the at least one holding arm (45, 46) being resiliently movable in the radial direction with respect to the plug part (3)
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2a~3c
Figure 3d~5c
AI summary
The invention relates to a connector (7), in particular for hose lines and/or pipelines, comprising at least one sleeve part (2) and at least one insertion part (3), wherein the insertion part (3) can be or is inserted into a receiving opening (28) of the sleeve part (2) and wherein at least one retaining element (4) is provided for locking the insertion part (3) in the sleeve part (2) in a releasable manner. According to the invention, the retaining element (4) and the insertion part (3) have a two-piece design, and the retaining element (4) can be radially expanded and can be or is mounted on an accommodating segment (32) of the insertion part (3) in a captive and rotationally locked manner and has at least one retaining arm (45, 46) having at least one retaining projection (47, 48) projecting on the outside. The at least one retaining arm (45, 46) has a free end (145, 146) and an end (245, 246) fixed on the retaining-element body (44) and can be moved in a radial direction with respect to the insertion part (3) in a resilient manner in order to lock the at least one retaining projection (47, 48) on at least one locking surface (20) of the sleeve part (2) and for releasing the at least one retaining projection. At least one guiding segment and/or at least one guiding surface (140, 141, 341, 342) is provided on the retaining-element body (44) adjacently to the free end (145, 146) of the at least one retaining arm (45, 46), for the guided action of a releasing tool (5) on the retaining element (4) in order to release the connection of the insertion part (3) to the retaining element (4) and to the sleeve part (2). Such a connector is suitable particularly in the case of cramped installation conditions.